Minister says trust is a must
By Tim Bannister
Open communication and trust between the Queensland Police Service and the firearms community have been highlighted as a priority by new Police Minister Dan Purdie.
The Minister met with SSAA Queensland’s General Manager Bob Green and Executive Director Tim Bannister to discuss various issues affecting licensed shooters, including administrative overreach in recreation/hunting licence renewals, misinterpretation of power factor and large calibre limitations particularly in relation to permits to acquire, SSAA range approval renewals, firearms storage requirements and the recently launched, poorly named Operation Whiskey Firestorm.
Various members of his senior staff attended in addition to a senior advisor to Premier Crisafulli.
“I will look forward to working constructively with the SSAA and meeting many of you over the exciting year ahead!” Minister Purdie said.
It was a positive meeting and General Manager Bob Green said he would continue to convey member’s concerns to both Queensland Weapons Licensing Group and the Minister. We invited the Minister to issue a statement to the membership, which we posted below.
From Dan Purdie, Minister for Police and Emergency Services:
As a former frontline police officer with an appreciation for the utility of firearms, it is a pleasure and a privilege to engage with the industry in my capacity as the Queensland Police Minister.
Having recently met with some of the executive, I can attest to their passionate advocacy on behalf of the 80,000 strong membership base.
I am cognisant of the importance of firearms, particularly in our regional, rural and remote communities.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to best supporting our law-abiding firearm owners whilst being mindful of our duty to improve community safety outcomes.
Queensland is a great state to be a sporting shooter. We have an abundance of land, more than 300 sporting shooting clubs, and our Government has an appreciation for those involved in recreational shooting and hunting.
I will continue to work closely with the QPS to promote open communication, clarity, and trust between our Government and the firearms community.
As we approach the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the Crisafulli Government has confirmed additional investment to improve the Brisbane International Shooting Centre, which will showcase sport shooting and our State to the world.
I look forward to working constructively with the SSAA and meeting many of you over the exciting years ahead!
