GUN CLUBS SHOOT QUESTIONS BACK AT NEW FIREARM LAWS

BY ELIZA KLOSER

Credit: GetArchive

Gun clubs have fired back questions at the proposed new firearm laws, requiring anyone with a gun license in Western Australia to have mental health checks.

Paul Fitzgerald, President of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia WA, asks how the government can support extra health facilities in the current health care shortage in Australia.

‘‘How does the Government propose, when they can’t even deliver basic health services to regional Australia, how are they proposing that they are now going to have the ability to assess existing license holders and anybody new that comes along,’’ he said.

The McGowan government announced last week that this new legislation requires anyone wanting to get a firearm or anyone with a current firearm license to have regular mental health checkups.

This is part of the government's commitment to overhaul the state's outdated firearms laws and put community safety first.

Ngaarda Media reached out to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and got a statement from the spokesperson for the Police Minister in answer to some of these questions.

Spokesperson for the Police Minister said in a statement that a working group will work closely with Police and GPs and will administer this mental health check in due course.

The WA Police Force are part of that working group along with other key stakeholders including GPs and mental health experts.

The spokesperson also stated that the working group will consider any potential access issues for assessments and may consider options including tele-health.