The Queensland Police Service have announced the launch of Operation Whiskey Firestorm, described as “a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issue of firearm safety.”
QPS have said that as part of this, they will be “conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.”
The theme being touted by QPS is “Safety first, secure always”.
We are encouraging all our members to take a moment to review their secure storage facilities and ensure they are compliant – you can find the details here: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/weapon-licensing/safe-storage-weapons-and-ammunition
Remember: Firearms MUST be stored unloaded, and stored separately from ammunition.
Bolt-action firearms must have the bolt removed, while other types must have the action open.
Queensland Police must make an appointment for a mutually agreeable time to inspect your firearms – they cannot (and should not) just show up at your front door.
We will keep you updated once we have more information on this latest QPS initiative and what it will mean for you as a Shooters Union member.
We cannot help but feel this is a serious waste of limited police resources, especially given the increased youth crime rate and other public safety issues (none of which relate to firearms) throughout Queensland, and are also somewhat concerned by the tone and language in the QPS press release on this initiative – we will be raising this with Police Minister Dan Purdie.
