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16 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Q. Is a P650 form allowed for hunting or just target shooting? A. Section 6B of the Firearms Act 1996 provides an exemption for unlicensed persons shooting on approved ranges and for persons undertaking firearms safety training courses under the direct supervision of a person suitably licensed for the particular category of firearm. The level of supervision that is required for the purposes of Section 6B is one supervisor to one unlicensed shooter only. Prior to the unlicensed person being allowed to shoot or participate in the safety course, they must complete a form, which has been created by the NSW Police Firearms Registry and given the number P650. The P650 form was created so that the club or range official, as part of their range approval complies with Clause 129 of the Firearms Regulation 2017. The unlicensed person must complete the form before being allowed to shoot on the range or possess and use a firearm as part of their safety course. The regulation states: "…if the person concerned has answered "Yes" to any of the questions…, the club or range official, or the instructor…must prevent the person from possessing or using a firearm at the shooting range or as part of the course." An unlicensed person cannot possess or use a firearm under any other circumstances than in accordance with Section 6B. I have had a number of enquires in the past from people who believe it is legal for an unlicensed person to go hunting and use a firearm under the supervisions of a friend who is licensed. This is an incorrect understanding by those people. If people in those circumstances came under the notice of the Police; the unlicensed person would be charged with unauthorised possession of a firearm, the licence holder may also be charged with not taking all reasonable precautions to ensure the safekeeping of a firearm and would have their firearms licence suspended and most likely revoked by the Firearms Registry. 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 Correction: In my article in the last Quarterly Review, I indicated that beneficiaries of firearms from a deceased estate would need to obtain a permit to acquire relevant to each firearm they were to receive from the estate. It has come to my attention that the NSW Police Firearms Registry do not require permits to acquire in these circumstances. I apologise for any confusion caused. Naturally, the beneficiary must be suitably licensed to possess and use the relevant firearm/s. Ask Stephen Legal Matters Like our Facebook page and keep up with the latest: www.facebook.com/ssaansw Follow us on Twitter and share your thoughts: https://twitter.com/ssaansw