Deb Frecklington
October 4, 2017
The LNP has promised that if elected at the upcoming State Election it will renew pistol licences held by all primary producers.
The announcement follows claims that farmers who have held Category H licences for decades are now being knocked back when it comes time to renew.
As well, Deputy Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said an LNP government would also ensure that new applicants for Category H licences would be “fairly assessed, in a timely manner”.
In May 2016, then-Police Minister Bill Byrne called primary producers “lone cowboys” when questioned why Category H licence applications were being denied by the Weapons Licensing Branch.
Primary producers say pistols are easier and safer to carry when riding quad bikes or motorbikes and are more suitable to some farming tasks.
“The LNP will give farmers a fair go and not treat them like criminals,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor have treated law-abiding farmers worse than criminal gang members.
“I have spoken to many primary producers from the South Burnett who have held a Category H Licence for years, but had it revoked when it was time for renewal.
“There have also been many examples of new Category H Licence applications being refused.
“Unlike Labor, we have listened to the concerns of our farmers who need hand guns for the safe management of their farms and properties.”
Mrs Frecklington said under the LNP’s Fairer Gun Laws policy, primary producers who currently hold a Category H licence would have their licence renewed while they met the “fit and proper person test”, as per the current law.
“All new applicants will be treated fairly and have their applications assessed in a timely fashion – ending the lengthy delays and uncertainty for farmers under Annastacia Palaszczuk,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Labor has been caught out running a deliberate policy of restricting licence renewals which has taken away a vital tool of trade.
“While Labor delights in painting these people as lone cowboys, the LNP understands the safety issues of not having to carry a rifle on a motorbike or quad bike.
“We will also restore proper consultation, ensure government policy is based on evidence and expert advice, increase penalties for gun crime and implement real-time background checks.”
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Tim Mander
In July this year Shadow Police Minister Tim Mander raised the issue with Police Minister Mark Ryan during an Estimates hearing in State Parliament.
Mr Mander cited a 65-year-old farmer from Westbrook and a 71-year-old farmer from Dalby.
“They have both had Category H gun licences for over 30 years. They have both had them successfully renewed every five years,” Mr Mander said.
“Both these gentlemen are upstanding, law-abiding citizens and pillars of their community, and they have had their renewal applications rejected with a standardised two-sentence reason …
“Minister, why does this government continue to deny primary producers an essential tool of trade that they have legally held for over 30 years?”
In reply, Mr Ryan encouraged any people who felt aggrieved to appeal the decision.
He said there had been no changes to the Category H regulations, however some decisions in the Queensland Administrative Appeals Tribunal had provided “clarity” around definitions in the Weapons Regulation.
“In Queensland, we fundamentally follow the National Firearms Agreement. However, in certain instances, we vary from the National Firearms Agreement and one particular instance is in Category H weapons.
“We allow primary producers on a case-by-case basis to hold Category H weapons. Other states, like NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, do not issue this type of licence for primary producers.
“Other States which do issue that type of licence have fewer than 100 on issue.
“The current number of concealable firearms — which are the Category H weapons — licences issued as at May this year for primary producer use is 2134 licences for 2524 concealable firearms.
“Historically, these types of licences have been issued to primary producers for use on large properties to destroy sick and injured animals to prevent prolonged suffering for the animal if the owner returned to their residence to gain access to a long arm.
“A number of these licences have recently been refused on the basis that the applicants do not meet the genuine reasons requirement under the regulation for the issue of the concealable firearm for a variety of reasons, including failing to meet the occupational requirement.
“I support the decision of Weapons Licensing to act independently of any political interference in respect of these matters. Their job is to work in accordance with the law. The regulation has not changed.
“Weapons Licensing will continue to take guidance from the courts about how to interpret the particular regulation …
“In respect of the process that Weapons Licensing goes through, any application to possess a Category H firearm undergoes vigorous scrutiny and a thorough vetting of the applicant.
“Applicants, as I said, must demonstrate a genuine reason, supported by documentation, to use a particular class of firearm.
“The types of handguns that are available in Queensland are not just available for use by primary producers; there are people who hold handguns with a Category H firearm for sports target shooting at approved pistol clubs and also security guards.
“I support the work that the Weapons Licensing Branch does. They act in accordance with the law. If anyone is particularly aggrieved about a decision of the Weapons Licensing Branch, there are appropriate processes for them to follow to appeal those decisions.
“I emphasise, once again, that the regulation has not changed during this term of government in respect of Category H weapons.”
