A “soulless, tone-deaf [police] bureaucracy” attempted blocked the Queensland Living History Federation from participating in Anzac Day marches, after unilaterally changing its interpretation of rules pertaining to replica and blank-firing firearms.
However, after an outcry from re-enactors, a very strong reaction from federal MP Bob Katter, and intervention by the Shooters Union, the issue appears to have been resolved.
Military re-enactors have been marching in historical Australian army uniforms and carrying SMLE rifles since 2017 under exemptions in the Queensland laws that set out the conditions under which they may do so.
However, despite the exemptions still being in place, the state’s Weapons Licensing Group blocked attempts by QLHF’s members from continuing their commemorative tributes.
The issue was raised this week by federal MP Bob Katter after he was contacted by a member of the Living History Federation (QLHF), Robert Finlay.
Mr Finlay told Mr Katter that QLHF had provided all required notices and documentation to Weapons Licensing before being told the organisation would have to seek full approval for events they were merely participating in, not organising.
“Even attempts to clarify the matter with the Queensland Police Minister’s office were brushed aside by Weapons Licensing, who appear unwilling to budge,” Mr Katter said, referring to Weapons Licensing as a “soulless, tone-deaf bureaucracy at its absolute worst”.
“These are not wild gun fanatics or some fringe mob,” he said.
“These are our ex-servicemen, history enthusiasts, and community volunteers — many of them older veterans — who respectfully re-enact military scenes to bring our past to life and honour our fallen.
“Let me be very clear, there’s been no change to the Weapons Act. There’s no new regulation. No incident.
“This is bureaucracy gone rogue. And what’s worse, it’s at the expense of ANZAC Day.”
Weapons Licensing Group has also been inflicting new demands on shooters applying for permits to acquire, against despite no change in regulations or law.
On the eve of Anzac Day, re-enactors announced they had been given the go-ahead to participate in marches with their firearms.
Details of what transpired are not yet clear, but re-enactors of the 15th Battalion 1st AIF 1914-1919 group announced they would be marching and thanked the Australian Living History Federation, Shooter’s Union and Katter’s Australian Party for their support.
This article was updated late on 24 April to include further developments.
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