Shooting down red tape
AN ADVISORY panel has been formed to examine gun laws and licensing to cut red tape for licensed firearm owners, with Cr Ross Bartley agreeing removing the unnecessary steps was a good idea.
The Southern Downs Deputy Mayor has been involved in the shooting scene for 40 years and a firearms instructor for 14 years.
"The proposal is to fix the issues associated with people obtaining a second firearm," he said.
Cr Bartley said he couldn't see a problem with speeding up the process.
"If people meet the criteria, it should not be a problem," he said.
"There are only three reasons people can be issued with a gun licence.
"Recreational hunting, clay target or sport shooting and occupational."
Currently it can take up to six months to be approved for a gun permit then several more months before you are given a licence.
Permit holders then have to almost repeat the process to purchase a second firearm.
Police Minister Jack Dempsey set up the advisory panel earlier this week.
He said impending legislative changes would give Queensland the toughest illegal firearms laws in the nation, but legal firearms users such as sporting shooters and primary producers were "drowning in red tape".
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers has criticised the plan, saying delays were a necessary part of applying for a gun licence.
"If things are rushed through things will be missed," he said.
Cr Bartley said background checks were important.
"You only want fit and proper people with access to firearms," he said.
