QPS WEAPONS LICENSING UPDATE
CURRENT PROCESSING TIMES, PROCESSING ISSUES AND STRATEGIES TO REDUCE WAITING TIMES FOR APPLICATIONS
Current Processing Times
Weapons Licensing is working efficiently and promptly to process your firearms licence application. Applications are being processed in order of receipt and will be determined as soon as practicable after any mandatory waiting periods as required by legislation. The time taken to collate, record, assess and finalise applications is dependent on a number of factors. These factors can include the number of applications received each day, the complexity of the applications, the completeness of the application and the accuracy of information within the supporting documents.
The take up rate for the new online weapons applications (WAO) has exceeded expectations with over 82000 applications received to date. As at 1 July 2014, Weapons Licensing was processing the majority of on-line PTA applications (apart from a licensee’s initial PTA for which there is a mandated 28 day waiting period) within five days; and the majority of complete on-line New Licence applications within 12 weeks of receipt (including the 28 day mandated waiting period). Renewal applications are being processed within the legislated timeframe.
Current Processing Issues
There has been a significant increase in applications received since WAO in November 2012. Trending after the first eighteen months has seen a 36.5% increase in new licence applications and a 46% increase in PTA applications received in relation to the previous corresponding period.
Weapons Licensing is currently receiving 27% of applications incomplete without the required supporting documentation, leading to the need for Weapons Licensing to contact the client to request the documentation prior to completion of the application and further follow up activity. This delays the assessment of other applications and impacts on processing times.
Recent Strategies to reduce waiting times and results
In addition to WAO, Weapons Licensing has implemented a number of recent strategies to reduce waiting times for applications including:
• Additional temporary staff allocated to the New Licence and Permit Section;
• Overtime funding;
• A review of internal processes by a business consultant and implementation of those recommendations;
• The implementation of 18 red tape proposals including changes to legislation, policy and procedure;
• The review of forms to make them more user friendly and advise of requirements.
These strategies have seen a significant increase in processing output in 2013 compared to 2012, specifically a 113% increase in new applications output, a 29% increase in permit to acquire output and a 46.5% increase in renewal applications output. This significant increase in processing output has continued in 2014 over and above the 2013 increase.
Future strategies to reduce processing times
Weapons Licensing has forwarded further legislative proposals for the consideration of the Minister and Ministerial Advisory Panel including a further 17 red tape proposals.
The QPS is also working with the Panel to implement a number of strategies to improve processing capability that can be implemented in the short to medium term without an IT solution:
• Encouraging applicants to attend clubs and dealers for assistance when applying for a firearms licence. Club and dealers are encouraged to assist members to use the online system, ensure they have the required documentation and assist members where possible to scan and upload the required documentation. This will reduce the current number of incomplete applications (27%) requiring follow up and monitoring. Weapons Licensing conducted state-wide education and engagement workshops in Jan 2014.
• Triaging applications early to ensure that applicants whose applications may be incomplete are contacted as soon as possible to supply additional information required.
• The development of key messages for applicants lodging new applications, renewals and permits. A review of the WL Website, WAO site and hard copy forms will also be undertaken to reduce the number of incomplete applications and Weapons Licensing follow up activity.
• IT solutions to send out renewal reminders to members with email accounts in place of the paper courtesy renewal packs. This strategy has commenced as of 2nd July 2014.
Weapons Licensing is also working with the Panel to scope further enhancements of the Weapons Licensing Management System, including further online functionality.
Contact Officer:
Inspector Craig Rolls
Weapons Licensing
1 July 2014
This was off their website, if it's true hopefully things should speed up a little.