Mazza shoots down firearm licence fees
FIREARM license fees have come under attack from Shooters and Fishers Party Upper House Member Rick Mazza ,who moved a disallowance motion in parliament last month.
It was the second time in less than 12 months Mr Mazza had resorted to moving the motion as discontent with increasing fees continued.
On July 1 last year, firearm licence application fees went up by as much as 147 per cent as part of the Police Department's plans to recoup costs.
Following the outrage at the department's fee rises, the State Government announced its intention to have the law reform commission review the Firearms Act 1973.
But Mr Mazza said it was now made clear a report from the Law Reform Commission wouldn't be available until September 2015.
"I moved the disallowance motion in September last year and nothing has happened since then," he said.
"There was a promise of a review of the act and nothing has been done."
To add insult to injury Mr Mazza said there had been another increase on July 1 this year.
"They raised the fees again this year and while they are only incremental increases, there has been no improvement to services," he said.
"The bottom line is there was supposed to be changes made to make the department more efficient and that hasn't happened."
According to Mr Mazza, firearm licence fees in WA were out of whack with fees in other States and a review would make WA's system more modernised and force the reduction of the fee to be consistent with other States.
Liberal Member for Southern River Peter Abetz, last year chaired a report into firearm regulations and said he wouldn't expect any change in legislation before 2016.
"It is disappointing this has taken so long but the wheels of government turn exceedingly slowly," he said.
"The downside is these exorbitant fees will continue to be in place for at least another year."
Acting Police Minister John Day said the Law Reform Commissioner has been requested to undertake a full and thorough examination of the Firearms Act in accordance with its terms of reference, which includes a public consultation process.
"The review will result in a detailed report and recommendations for any changes to the Firearms Act," he said.
"The current fee structure is based on the recovery of costs to run the system.
"Until the review is completed the State Government is not prepared to comment on any possible outcome or impacts on fee structures. "
http://www.farmweekly.com.au/news/agriculture/agribusiness/general-news/mazza-shoots-down-firearm-licence-fees/2705336.aspx
Charging an hourly rate it seems.I still think the SSAA should be on their case and support you guys.
