Its been another eventful month with COVID still making the world
turn in the opposite direction and Biden gifting/leaving behind an aresnal that
would envy the Kalashnikov factory to the taliban. Melbourne and New South
Wales have been suffering extensive lockdowns and poor Melbourne even copped an
earthquake. At Owen Guns we have been busy I have had lots of pats from
customers, some even ask if they can take me home, which my mum swiftly replies
with a stern ‘no’. Some days we get asked 3 times a day if we have pistol
powder, ADI is still not providing us with any product or any answers as to
why, when and how. The problems suppliers are having with transport companies
has kicked into action and we have had a quiet week for deliveries. Hopefully
some of the small freight companies will pick up the slack and we will get some
of our orders soon. On a whole living in QLD is still a good place to be as I
will highlight in this months newsletter.
Victorian Firearm Prohibition Order
An article published by The National Shooting council on the 12/9/21
has revealed that there have been some amendments to the Victorian firearms
Act. The aspect of the Bill of most concern to civil liberties and human rights
is the introduction of Firearm Prohibition Orders.
There does not need to be a formal declaration for a person to be
considered a prohibited person; a prohibited person is a status. Under the
Firearms Act, the designation of being a prohibited person is a status. This
means that a person is not declared prohibited person (for example, by a
court), they automatically become one if they meet the definition provided in
section 3 of the Firearms Act. An individual may be declared prohibited by
virtue of being made subject to a Firearm Prohibition Order.
Police will be able to detain an FPO subject for as long as is
reasonably necessary to conduct a search. They will be able to search any item,
package or thing in their possession, and any premises, vehicle, vessel or
aircraft related to the FPO subject.
The Government has itself acknowledged that the laws breach the
Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities because there were less
restrictive alternatives.
FPOs allow police to search people (including children) and property
without a warrant, and even in circumstances where there is no reasonable
suspicion that the person has committed an offence this is afforded under
section 112R(1) of the Firearms Act.
The person subject to an FPO does not have to have ever acquired,
possessed, carried or used a firearm.
FPOs can be made because of the “behaviour” (undefined) of the person
or because of the people they associate with.
FPOs can be made over children as young as 14.
These powers are afforded under sections 112Q and 112R. Under section
112S, if the FPO subject is in the company of another person, that other person
will also be able to be searched.
They are handing these “FPO’s” out to people with no court hearing,
its as easy as getting a parking fine except the consequences last 10 years. If
subject to an FPO you can be searched without suspicion and without a warrant,
even your children, forget privacy or rights, you lost them. You can be issued
an FPO based on “behavior” we have heard that can be for car related fines and
even attending protests.
When the opposition suggested limited amendments, the Government
suggested that was because the coalition is in the pockets of organised crime.
Both major parties no doubt want to appear “tough on crime”, but all
sides of politics have a heavy responsibility to ensure that only appropriate
and proportionate legislation is enacted, where limitations to human rights are
justifiable.
The reaction from both the NSC and Victorians against this proposal
has been swift. Nearly 1,200 people have let Victorian Police Minister,
Lisa Neville, know that they want the Bill amended.
As a result, the NSC is now in extensive discussions with MPs about
the changes they want to see, which has caused the passage of the bill to
at least be delayed while this is sorted out. If this slides through in
Victoria what would stop them from enforcing it in Queensland?
Victoria and News South Wales Gun shops Suffering Under COVID
With Lockdowns and Government prohibiting Gun Shops from being able
to function as normal, I wanted to find out how it was affecting sales and
people’s livelihoods. I sent an email to all the firearm dealers down south
asking them how they are coping with lockdowns and restrictions. I knew that
they would be suffering but I had no idea of the extent, especially since our
media doesn’t show this side to the lockdowns I felt it important to try and
spread the truth about their losses. It also might give some understanding as
to why some people are upset about being in constant lockdowns. This was my
favorite and most entertaining response to my questions and highlights the
massive thrashing these businesses are taking…
Have you been able to operate during the lockdowns –
Lockdown 1-2 No we were shut down by Victoria Police/ Firearms Traders
Assoc. After I had some rather heated arguments with Victoria Police about
legislation interpretation and enforcement. Since then, the rest of the
lockdowns we have been able to do online sales, transfers and pay/ collect
sales, no instore sales.
At what capacity have you been able to operate –
Maybe 15% of our usual daily turnover.
Have you lost business due to the lockdowns – To the tune
of about 15-22K per day that we are shut.
Can you give examples of the loss – Last year cost us
close to 250K, this year it’ll be more.
Have you had to cut down staff – Yes, running half usual
staff at 5hr days.
What are your stock levels like due to distribution
issues – Currently stock is OK because we can’t sell much, once we
are open, we will be in the hurt locker within 2 weeks due to supply chain
problems.
How are your customers coping – Not very happy with
our current state of affairs and the lack of Balls shown by our tree hugging
idiots in power.
Are you getting any assistance from the government –
Yes, but it’s a pittance. Suppliers still want to be paid, and it’s hard
to pay for stock when you have no real income.
Anything else you would like to add – Got any jobs? Happy
to move to QLD, I like Gympie!!
This can’t continue to happen. The smaller gun shops won’t be able to
come back from this. Less gun shops is not good for the industry as a whole.
It’s not an easy trade to be in, half of the work we do is on behalf of the
government, paperwork, registration ect.
“Fit and Proper” person battles being won!
Since the beginning of the year Queensland shooters have been
persecuted a little bit more than usual when renewing for a license or applying
for a PTA. Shooters Union has assisted more than 100 members with firearms
issues since January this year alone thanks to legal action supported by
Shooters Union and their Legal Defence Fund.
Of the more than 100 members asking for help, 80 of them were
directed to lawyers for a free consultation, and 60 of those members then
decided to pursue their matter further. The lawyers have stated that every
single Shooters Union member who pursued their case via the support program to
date has won. In every case, Weapons Licensing withdrew their opposition and
the licence or permit was issued, renewed or returned, and in many cases, the
situation was sorted out without the member even needing to file an official
QCAT action – the lawyers were able to sort the matter out with Weapons
Licensing in our member’s favour before that.
On top of those successful outcomes this year already, there are
another approximately 20 cases currently in the QCAT pipeline involving
members. The successful situations cover everything from licence rejections on
“fit and proper person” grounds to primary producers denied renewals due to
‘not earning enough’ or ‘not needing a handgun for work’, and a range of other
assorted reasons – all of which were withdrawn when the legal team got
involved. The offer for Shooters Union members is simple: If you are a member
and have a licence or PTA rejected, suspended or revoked, they will provide you
with a free consultation with an experienced firearms lawyer to discuss the
matter. If the lawyer believes you have a case, Shooters Union will pay your
QCAT filing fees.
Just today I had another customer come to us saying Weapons Licencing
had sent them an email saying they had to hand in their guns or put them into
storage because there was someone living at their address that wasn’t fit and
proper. The email does not say who in the house that is not acceptable and when
they call to ask Weapons will not tell them. We advised her to speak with her
local member of parliament and also contact Shooters Union.
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