The Palaszczuk Government is calling on Queenslanders to have their say about recommendations made by the Queensland Police Service to ensure the safe and responsible use of replica firearms and gel blasters that look like real firearms.
The advice provided by the Queensland Police Service comes after a worrying sequence of events involving the misuse of gel blasters that look like real firearms.
Firstly, it is important to reinforce that anyone who transports a gel blaster or a replica firearm in public, should carry the item in a suitable bag or case, away from public view.
Secondly, police recommend that owners of gel blasters that look like the real thing and replica firearms should keep them secured when stored at home.
Finally, police have suggested that the owners of gel blasters should have a reasonable excuse for their possession.
A reasonable excuse would be, for example, that the owner of the gel blaster is a member of a gel blaster club and owns it for taking part in club activities.
The government is now seeking feedback on the police recommendations from interested members of the community.
To do so, simply go to the Queensland Government’s “Get Involved” website and have your say.
Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan said the advice from police amounted to a sensible response to an increase in the number of incidents involving the misuse of gel blasters.
“The safety of Queenslanders has always been the Palaszczuk Government’s highest priority,” Minister Ryan said.
“Gel blasters and other replicas can look very similar to real firearms, and we don’t want them used to threaten people or commit crimes.
“We also don’t want to see young people in a bad situation – such as if a member of the community sees them with a gel blaster and calls the police.
“We all want to avoid a tragedy.”
“Police are not suggesting a ban,” he said.
“This is about a few simple precautions to keep the community safe.
“The aim is to strike a balance to ensure people can still use gel blasters recreationally, while also protecting Queenslanders from harm.
“That’s what the community expects.”
Minister Ryan said a public safety campaign involving gel blaster retailers and the Queensland Police Service was also already underway.
“We’re hoping with these changes we can boost public safety and allow individuals the freedom to enjoy their hobby of choice.”
