SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 6 The NSW Shooter is published by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed are not necessarily those of SSAA (NSW) Inc. Advertising and Contributions: Newsletter PO Box 1001 ST MARYS NSW 2760 or email nswshooter@nsw.ssaa.org.au Deadline: Attention Branch Secretaries/Publicity Officers, editorial deadline for the May 2015 issue of the NSW Shooter is Friday 24 April 2015. Cover: Competitors at the SSAA NSW Combined Services Discipline's 2015 City vs Country during the prone event. Editor: Jay Pandya Graphic Designer: Craig Rogers Legal Matters It was brought to my attention by a diligent member that this article may have caused some confusion with a previous article I wrote on the same topic some time ago. For members who hold category C, D, H licenses, collector licenses, museum or RSL display permits that authorise the possession of a prohibited firearm or pistol other than a firearm acquired as an heirloom, Clause 127 of the Firearms Regulation still remains. This clause provides that if a notice is served by the Commissioner, the licence or permit holder must allow inspection of the firearm or pistol "at a reasonable time." Therefore, unlike Section 59 of the Act, this clause still requires the inspection to occur "at a reasonable time" which would allow for arrangements to be made between the Police and the licensee for the inspection to occur. This clause differs as well in the "notice" must be served by the Commissioner to facilitate the inspection as opposed to being "on the spot." However, it should also be noted that Section 59 simply states "firearm" and does not state which categories of firearm it refers to. Given the current climate, it is most likely the Police will interpret this to include all categories of firearms, even those included in Clause 127. A licence holder may enquire with the Police if they arrive unannounced to do an inspection of those categories included in Clause 127 as to why they have not been served with a notice. The easiest way to avoid any difficulties with the Police regarding the inspection of your firearms is to ensure you comply with the Act and Regulation at all times so you can confidently allow them to inspect both your firearms and firearms storage. I apologise for any confusion caused. Stephen Mainstone The information contained in this article is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. Should you require legal advice relevant to a particular matter concerning you, it is always advisable to contact a lawyer. Mainstone Lawyers is able to provide legal advice regarding all firearms and other Police related matters. Contact our office on (02) 9531 0322, email at info@mainstonelawyers.com.au or on our website www.mainstonelawyers.com.au CLARIFICATION – NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY In my last article (February 2015 NSW Shooter), I spoke about Police attending premises for "on the spot" inspections of firearms and licenses. This article was written as a result of a number of enquires made to me, particularly from Category AB licence holders. Follow us on Twitter and share your thoughts: https://twitter.com/ssaansw

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