There is an election in Queensland on Saturday, October 26th and as in previous years, we are supporting Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) in their efforts to not only get their existing MPs re-elected, but add some new MPs to their Parliamentary presence.
KAP are openly supportive of law-abiding firearms users and have gone into bat for shooters countless times over the years, most recently in their opposition to the flawed Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024.
We asked KAP HQ some questions about their gun-friendly stance, and are providing their responses here to help voters in their electorate to make an informed decision at the polling booth.
Over your time in Parliament, what have you done to support shooters in your electorates?
Sitting KAP MPs have helped countless constituents across each of their own electorates and broader Queensland with Weapons Licensing issues.
It’s no secret that the KAP offices often hear from people outside their electorate boundaries who couldn’t get support from their local MP – whether Labor or LNP.
KAP is proud to report that in most cases, we’ve been able to resolve the issue and achieve positive outcomes for shooters who needed help.
In the parliament, our MPs have spoken valiantly against any proposed negative changes to weapons licensing and used parliament time to make speeches and ask numerous Question With and Without Notice to Ministers, specifically the Police Minister.
The KAP voted against the recent Queensland Community Safety Bill that made significant amendments to the Weapons Act 1990 and the Explosives Act 1999.
If you are re-elected, what will you do over the coming term to support shooters in your electorate?
If re-elected, the KAP MPs will continue to provide the same support to shooters as done in the past.
The KAP are not optimistic that a change in government will improve the situation for firearm owners. Regardless of the election outcome, we will ensure that the next Police Minister is well aware of the ongoing issues within the Weapons Licensing Branch.
We will also be pushing for legislative and policy changes that actually work for law-abiding firearm owners.
Are there any changes to gun laws in Queensland that you think should be made? If so, what are those changes?
KAP have concerns about the legitimacy of some Weapons Licensing Branch ‘policies’ that appear to be implemented at whim and without proper political or legal scrutiny.
The recent amendments to the Weapons Act introduced through the Queensland Community Safety Bill should be repealed, particularly those concerning the fit and proper person test and the Firearm Prohibition Orders.
Additionally, the inconsistent application of criteria by the Weapons Licensing Branch in approving Category C weapon licences for primary producers must be addressed.
Primary producers have a legitimate need for these licences, and it is unreasonable for them to be forced into legal battles just to secure approval for a Category C licence – which sadly, we have seen many examples of.
What are your views about the National Firearms Register?
A National Firearm Register would be a waste of $160 million. There is no need for a federal register if communication between state jurisdictions were efficient.
Just as we don’t have a national vehicle registration system, a national firearms register is equally unnecessary.
Further, such a register would depend on states providing accurate, up-to-date data.
Queensland’s outdated and flawed registration system is a prime example of why this would fail. Instead of focusing on a costly national register, attention should be directed toward fixing Queensland’s neglected Weapons Licensing system, which has been in disrepair for years.
Authorised by J Linsley, 61 Arthur St Dalby, QLD 4405 for Shooters Union Australia
