Police has launched new firearms licence cards with additional security features today.
Acting superintendent Michael McIlraith says police has been working hard modernising the processes around firearms and becoming an effective regulator of the Arms Act.
A key component of this is safety and security and these cards will help deliver on that, he says.
'The purpose of the updated licence card and the new features is to bring firearms licencing in line with other modern identification and licence cards that have an increased level of security.”
He says this will support firearms licence holders, dealers, and dealer employees.
The main new features are:
• A three-digit version number.
• A barcode and magnetic strip to support future point of sale transactions.
• The licence holder's date of birth embossed under their photo.
• Endorsements written in full, as opposed to acronyms.
The updated firearms licence cards with the new security features. Supplied image.
'The three-digit version number is a key feature because it ensures that only one version of the firearms licence in circulation is valid.”
If a licence is expired, lost, or stolen and the licence holder applies for a replacement, the new licence will have an updated version number, and the previous card becomes invalid preventing any unlawful use,” says McIlraith.
Police is also in the process of developing an online compliance tool that will be released later this year.
This tool will validate the details on any firearms licence, including the new version number, assisting licence holders to meet their obligation by ensuring they only buy and sell from people who hold a firearms licence.
The online licence checker portal can be used by both the buyer and the seller in any over the counter, or in-person transaction, where both parties can input the details of the respective firearms licence to ensure that they are current.
'It is through the introduction of these improved procedures and supporting compliance tools that police can endeavour to keep firearms only in the hands of people who have shown themselves responsible enough to have them.”
The launch of the updated firearms licence will only impact those applying for, or renewing, their licence.
All existing firearms licence holders can continue to use their current licence.
2 comments
Great Ideas - BUT
Posted on 30-03-2021 20:35 | By The Caveman
“It is through the introduction of these improved procedures and supporting compliance tools that police can endeavour to keep firearms only in the hands of people who have shown themselves responsible enough to have them.” GREAT IDEA !! Sorry, but the "endeavour to keep firearms only in the hands of people who have shown themselves responsible enough to have them" does not cut the mustard - AGAIN they - the Police - are looking at the LEGAL gun owners - and no doubt the cost the licence WILL increase substantially!!! BUT, what are they doing about the people (read GANGS & CRIMS) in possession of illegally obtained guns! They - the Police - need to be up front with the public - they have NO IDEA how many guns that are in the possession of the gangs & crims.
Hmmm
Posted on 31-03-2021 09:14 | By Let's get real
Seems like the usual political move to me..... When there's an issue, increase the paperwork and avoid making hard decisions. Our legal system is based on basic human rights that were established centuries ago, when the penalties for overstepping the line were harshly administered. We now have fewer responses to criminal activities and a more visible criminal culture hiding behind ancient law protecting them from harassment and regular checks on their behaviour and activities. Is this really what the permissive generations following the boomers want for the next generations to come.
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