Firearms Oversight Committee established

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has established a Firearms Oversight Committee to enhance community safety.

Committee chair Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford said community safety was the key priority for the QPS.

“Balancing community safety and public interest with the rights of firearms applicants and licence holders is at the forefront of the committee’s work,” Deputy Commissioner Linford said.

The committee is coordinating the implementation of all 13 recommendations from a Queensland Audit Office (QAO) report into the regulation of firearms in Queensland.

“The QAO report is timely given the significant reform already under way in this area.

“The QAO recommendations largely relate to opportunities previously identified by the QPS, with a number of projects already commenced to renew processes and systems.

“The QPS is committed to implementing all recommendations, especially those which promote the safe and effective regulation of firearms in Queensland.

“Finding the necessary balance between community safety and the rights of the lawful firearm owning community will continue to be the focus of the QPS as action items are implemented and assessed,” Deputy Commissioner Linford said.

The QAO report identified the QPS could regulate the acquisition, possession, use and disposal of registered firearms more effectively.

The QPS is addressing the recommendations across three key themes of deciding who can access firearms, monitoring firearm licence holders, and regulating dealers and firearm movements.

“It is important to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the QPS to enhance the service Weapons Licensing delivers to the community,” Deputy Commissioner Linford said.

“The community can have confidence that the work is well under way and over time will provide a better framework for all stakeholders.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

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