The firearms community and industry in Western Australia remain baffled and uncertain following contradictory and somewhat menacing communications from Western Australia Police (WAPOL) regarding the implementation of the state’s draconian gun laws.
WAPOL had large ads in a number of newspapers and on Facebook in mid-February, informing firearms licence holders that “all licensed firearms owners will have at least 90 days to transition” to the requirements of the new laws and “existing firearms licences will remain valid until renewal”.
However, licence holders have received letters informing them that as they had more than the permitted 5 or 10 gun limit, or owned a bolt-action shotgun with a magazine capacity over 5 rounds, they were required to sell, legally transfer, permanently render inoperable, or hand in their no-longer-permitted guns, with the letters seemingly implying (or apparently outright stating) that the compliance deadline was 31 March.
This has led to considerable confusion and anxiety among shooters in WA, not helped by WAPOL providing unhelpful or contradictory information to shooters who have contacted them directly, and now find themselves with no clear indication of how to best proceed.
This is on top of at least one known change to the Firearms Regulations 2024 since it was released with no fanfare just before Christmas, as well as an apparent (and similarly low-key) change to the secure storage requirements since their announcement around the same time.
Shooters Union WA state advocate Steve Harrison described the situation as “an absolute dog’s breakfast”.
“It seems like absolutely no one in WAPOL or the government has any idea what’s actually going on, and none of the departments involved appear to be talking to each other either,” he said.
“We’re seeing ads in newspapers and on social media saying there will be a 90-day transition period and licences will remain valid until their renewal, while at the same time shooters are getting letters saying they have too many guns, or own shotguns that hold too many rounds in the magazine, and if they don’t get rid of them by 31 March, they will lose their gun licence.
“So which is it? Do they have 90 days from 31 March to become compliant, do they have until their licence is up for renewal next year, or will a Tactical Response Group team be knocking on their door on 1 April?
“The whole thing is an absolute dog’s breakfast and it needs to be questioned in parliament after the election.”
He said the situation was worsened by vague or unclear information being provided to shooters, such as saying they ‘may’ lose their licence for having too many guns or non-compliant guns on 31 March.
“Communication regarding such a massive change in important laws like the Firearms Act should be crystal clear, unambiguous, and let people make informed decisions,” he said.
“Instead, we’ve got contradictions, confusing messaging, and a general feeling that no matter what shooters do, they’re getting shafted by the government.”
Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA) CEO James Walsh said the confusion and uncertainty was causing serious problems for firearms dealers and industry in the state, too, to the point where there was a very real possibility firearms dealers would not be able to receive stock of firearms, ammunition or other products.
“The legislation, regulations and processes are as clear as mud,” he said.
“Our members have contacted WA Police for clarification about important issues and the answers we have received are not clear, and in several parts are contradictory in nature.
“SIFA requested a consultation session with WAPOL on the legislation and how it comes together for our members [the major importers and wholesalers], which WAPOL denied.
“It’s going to be a disaster [when the laws come into effect] and we’re not sure how we’re going to send products to Western Australia.
“Farmers and those who need products the most aren’t going to be able to get it.”
Mr Walsh said SIFA was working with its members and the wider industry on how, or even if, they could comply with WA’s legislative requirements, but it was an uphill battle due to the poorly thought out legislation and they way it was being rammed into effect.
“It’s probably the most confusing firearms legislation and regulation in the country,” he said.
“It is 100% completely inconsistent. This is a result of a regulator rushing to put this out without proper consultation.”
My letter I received doesnt even have anyone’s name at the bottom, let alone signed. This is the same as everyone else I have heard.