Thread: New government will rewrite Arms Act

Originally Posted by Tahr

Nicole McKee

I am humbled to be a part of what will be a Government of real change for the next three years. Today I was announced as the incoming Cabinet Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice for firearms reform.
May I extend my heartfelt thanks to those that supported the ACT party by loaning us your party vote last month. My thanks also goes to those that have supported me personally, professionally and also to my family.
We have some really good firearms policy wins that we will be working towards. Some of these are straight away, some will occur over this term of Government - they are:
- Rewrite the Arms Act 1983 to provide for greater protection of public safety and simplify regulatory requirements to improve compliance and pass it through all stages during this term of Parliament.
- Transfer responsibility for the Arms Act 1983, policy and regulation to the Ministry of Justice, and the Firearms Safety Authority, administrator of the Act, to another department such as the Department of Internal Affairs.
- Review whether the Firearms Registry is effectively improving public safety, beginning by June 2024.
- Immediately begin to repeal and replace Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 relating to clubs and ranges.
Now is the time to roll up the sleeves and start getting this work done.

I know Nicole and wish her well.

I am concerned about the proposed transfer of functions from Police to the Dept of Internal Affairs (DIA).
I strikes me as out of the pan into the fire.

I have previously seen worked DIA work on other issues and proposals.
I was and am very unimpressed (to say the least) with the work of DIA.
DIA staff's lack of competency and predetermined bias was both surprising and disappointing.
You make think DIA will be better than Police regarding management & administration of firearms regulation and law & I hope they will be but I am fearful that they won't be.
I am fearful that the transfer will be another opportunity for the anti-gun lobby to get their hands on the reins of power which won't be good for us.

Remember the path to Hell is paved with good intentions