The Liberal Morrison Government will reduce the regulatory burden on Australian businesses by simplifying and streamlining import and export requirements for firearms, particularly for Australian defence and law enforcement agencies.
The proposed reforms will maintain the appropriate balance between the interests of those with a genuine reason and need to access a firearm with the interests and expectation of the broader Australian community to live safely and securely.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood will continue consulting closely with stakeholders on the reforms on 15 September, co-Chairing the meetings with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta.
Mr Wood thanked the consultation forums, including gun safety advocates, for their contribution towards good policy outcomes earlier in the year.
“In February this year, the Government successfully restricted the importation of bump-stocks, preventing access to an accessory that effectively turns a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm – and it was backed by the full range of stakeholders,” Mr Wood said.
“I am pleased that we were also able to reduce some regulatory burden on Australian businesses, as well as better understand what else we needed to do to ensure that the regulations remain fit for purpose.”
Mr Wood said one important aim of the reforms to be discussed with stakeholders was to help Australian businesses adapt to changing law enforcement and defence procurement processes
“Law enforcement agencies and the Department of Defence are constantly reviewing their procurement processes. As the responsible Minister, I need to make sure that the relevant regulations remain applicable to these evolving processes,” Mr Wood said.
Mr Vasta said the reforms would also progress the Australian Government’s goal of developing and maintaining a sovereign defence industry.
“In order to achieve a fully functioning sovereign defence industry, we need more Australian businesses researching and developing firearms and weapons technology,” Mr Vasta said.
“By making a minor adjustment to the regulations we can encourage new business, as well as allowing existing businesses to diversify, grow and become competitors in the Australian manufacturing industry.”
The proposed reforms will also include measures to combat those who seek to use firearms unlawfully.
Issues being considered as part of these reforms include controlling the importation of parts called ‘barrel extensions’ which are essential for assembling certain types of semi-automatic rifles.
The Morrison Government will continue to work together with its state and territory counterparts and stakeholders to ensure public safety and to deliver a consistent national approach to the efficient and effective management of firearms in Australia.
