For the first time, Department of Home Affairs staff have met with the Australian firearms industry in a forum dedicated to opening an ongoing dialogue and improving efficiencies.
The Canberra event was organised by the Shooting Industry Foundation Australia (SIFA), a firearms industry body supported by a number of major distributors.
“This event provided an opportunity for leading industry figures from SIFA’s membership to engage directly with those responsible for setting federal firearms policy,” SIFA executive officer James Walsh said.
People from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), including Border Force, compared notes with the firearms industry on importation, permit processing and even specific consignments that had caused problems in the past.
Mr Walsh said the forum had brought a greater understanding from both sides about the roles of the various organisations.
He hoped the closer contact might bring about “better practice regulation”.
For many years the industry has expressed frustration at delays, lack of communication, the interpretation of legislation by border officials, and a host of other issues. As a result, SIFA has been trying to get this meeting to happen for at least two years.
Mr Walsh said he was pleased with the “open consultation” at the meeting.
“Given the success of the inaugural meeting, DHA have asked to hold these events on a 6 monthly basis,” he said.
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