Answers to Questions

Gel Blasters

341 Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (11 November 2020). What action did the minister take when he was made aware of SAPOL's concerns regarding gel blasters, and when was this action taken?

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services): On 12 March 2020, SAPOL advised the former minister that since the provision of SAPOL's advice in 2019, there had been advancements in the evolution and modification of gel blasters. SAPOL advised that it would need to further consider, review and research potential response options.

Both the former minister and current minister sought regular updates on the matter.

The decision to regulate gel blasters was an operational matter for SAPOL. The Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens, in his capacity as the registrar of firearms under the Firearms Act 2015, declared gel blasters as a regulated imitation firearm from 8 October 2020.