Change on mark

LICENSED shooters have welcomed amendments to the Firearms Act that passed last week, extending the duration of gun licences in the NT

Nathan Richardson is happy about changes to NT gun laws. Picture: IVAN RACHMAN

LICENSED shooters have welcomed amendments to the Firearms Act that passed last week, extending the duration of gun licences in the NT.

Five-year licences were extended to 10 and one or three year licences were stretched to five. Darwin Rifle Club captain Nathan Richardson supported the changes.

“It will reduce the workload of the firearms department,” Mr Richardson said.

He said short licences caused a lot of paperwork, delays, and fees for renewals and police checks.

Mr Richardson understood the importance of monitoring those who held a gun licence, but said if a person committed an offence, their gun licence was revoked prior to their annual police check.

Palmerston Pistol Club president Tony Chalker said the changes were a good thing for licensed shooters, and for gun owners who did the right thing. “I welcome the changes,” Mr Chalker said.

“I think it’s an excellent idea that we’ve fallen in line with other states.”

Mr Chalker said the proposed changes were first put forward two and a half years ago.

“I think (the NT Government) has seen the light because of the administration costs,” he said.

“The issue from the club’s perspective is the onus on reporting.

“Most people have no idea where their tax form from five years ago is, let alone their records. Make the clubs responsible for their shooters.”

Mr Chalker said he would support a central database with records of Territorian gun licences. Police Minister Adam Giles said hunters, sporting shooters and pastoralists would benefit from amendments to the legislation.

“The extension will benefit Territorians who are licence holders and provide a modest financial saving,” Mr Giles said.

“This will reduce the number of times Territorians are required to apply for licences.”

He said the initiative would also shift police time away from administration to compliance. “The bill also addresses an oversight in the Firearms Act by providing an exemption to law enforcement officers for the possession ... of ammunition with firearm.”

There are no changes to laws that govern licence applications or storage of guns.