This week I have researched into the Firearms Laws.
The Firearms (Long arms) Users guide indicates that NSW has firearm laws to protect public safety and promote the responsible and safe use of firearms.
The Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms Regulation 2006 contain the rules you need to know to lawfully use and own a firearm in NSW.
The Users guide indicates a number of responsibilities and ethics for the holder of a firearms license or user of a firearm.
I have listed some of these for consideration:
What are my legal responsibilities?
As a firearms owner in NSW you are required to familiarise yourself with the Firearms Act and Regulation and comply with all the requirements.
It is essential that you:
• Ensure public safety is paramount;
• Comply with your licence or permit conditions; and
• Store your firearm safely to minimise the likelihood of it being lost or stolen.
You must be aware that firearms ownership is a privilege and is conditional on the overriding need for public safety.
What are my social responsibilities?
As a firearms owner in NSW you are bond to act in a safe and responsible manner whilst using a firearm and ensure that those around you do the same. You must:
• Never mix shooting with alcohol or drugs;
• Never act in a foolhardy way around firearms.
What should I do if I become aware of an illegal activity?
If you become aware of illegal activity involving firearms, for example if you know of an unlicensed person who owns a firearm you must contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
What could happen if a firearm is misused?
If you misuse your firearm you may lose your licence and may have committed a serious offence (in which case you may be fined orf face imprisonment).
Your misuse of a firearm may have an impact on the whole of the firearms community.
How can I ensure my own safety and those around me?
Be vigilant in ensuring you abide by the legislative requirements, safety rules and the rules of your shooting range or club.
What is a duty of care?
A duty of car is a legal obligation requiring that an individual avoids doing harm to another person.
A person must exercise a reasonable standard of car while undertaking an act where it is reasonably foreseeable that the act may harm another person.
As a licensed holder you must ensure that your use of firearms does not result in the unintentional harm of another person.
Furthermore, if you are in a position of authority, such as a range officer, then you must be aware of your legal obligations in relation to duty of care.
What do I need to do if there is a firearm accident or injury?
If there is a serious firearms accident or injury and the individual requires urgent medical attention, call an ambulance.
Am I obliged to render assistance?
If you are in a position of authority then you must be aware of your legal obligations in relation to rendering assistance.
What is ethical behaviour and what are my responsibilities in relation to the environment and animals?
If you are a recreational hunter, vermin controller or vertebrate animal pest controller you are bound by the requirements of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
This means that in the course of hunting, shooting, snaring, trapping, catching or capturing an animal you are not allowed to inflict any unnecessary pain on that animal.
You should also be aware of your responsibilities under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002. This Act provides for the effective management of introduced species of game animal and promotes responsible and orderly hunting of those game animals on public and private land and of certain pest animals on public land. For certain hunting activities, an additional licence must e obtained from the Game Council.
The NSW Firearms Registry administer NSW firearms legislation and issue firearms licences and permits. They are open for business between 0830 and 1630 Monday-Friday (except public holidays). They can be contacted on 1300 362 562 or visit www.police.nsw.gov.au/firearms
James Dolbel
S/Constable
Lachlan Crime Prevention Officer
18 September, 2009.
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