FIREARMS (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 14 November 2013.)

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (12:38): I will speak very briefly in support of the second reading of the bill before us. I would like to thank Brendon Beh and Paul Ralphs, both from SAPOL, and Kaes Cillessen, from police minister O'Brien's office, for the comprehensive briefing my staff were provided with on this bill. It certainly helped to clarify some of the issues that had been raised with me by various licensed gun owners.

I think that there has been a good deal of misinformation circulating amongst responsible gun owners who shoot for recreation and sport. I understand that now this will have no negative impact on their ability to lawfully go about their business and their hobby. Certainly, hearing about what can be bought on the internet and delivered to South Australia for use by criminal elements is concerning. Apparently, they buy their stuff on what is called the 'dark' internet, a concept I find much more exciting and positive sounding than it is. I am told it is not something used by superheroes but is, in fact, a very concerning element where people can buy some very scary equipment for criminal use.

I would like to encourage the government to let responsible pistol and gun owners and clubs know more about what these laws effectively mean, so that we can have an honest and open discussion about what we are actually trying to achieve here. My understanding is that we are simply trying to restrict people who are wanting to buy very dangerous equipment for very untoward purposes that most of us—I hope, all of us—would not support in their community, but as there is a great deal of misinformation out there (if the contact that my office has had is anything to go by) I would encourage the government to engage with responsible gun owners and clubs in particular so that they can help address that misinformation. With those brief words, I will indicate my support for the bill.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. K.J. Maher.