Lawyer Peter Cooper has been SSAA Victoria’s counsel when it comes to legal matters concerning firearms and his services are now available at the state office in Box Hill.
Under a new arrangement with SSAA Victoria, Mr Cooper will attend the office two days a week and provide legal advice to Association members at a third of his normal rate.
He can either act on behalf of a member on matters which or refer the case to the appropriate legal service.
Areas of service offered under the arrangement include:
- Offences involving alleged breaches of the Wildlife Act 1975 and regulations, and where the Game Management and/or police are involved.
- Matters involving representation of a member before the Firearms Appeal committee and/or VCAT on rights-based issues.
- Matters involving the Licensing & Regulation Division, including applications, submissions and re-applications after a period of prohibition including being a member of a proscribed organisation.
- Advice on and preparation of wills and estates, especially where the estate contains firearms and collectibles.
- Matters involving prohibited person status and applications to become a non-prohibited person.
“Becoming a prohibited person is a concern for many firearms users, particularly given the broad arbitrary nature it can be imposed,” Mr Cooper said.
“It’s possible to make application to be a non-prohibited person with a high probability of success.”
However, it comes at a cost with the estimate for the process at $1320. As a member benefit, an annual $50 subscription is offered where the subscriber would have the process cost covered.
SSAA Victoria CEO Jack Wegman said the new Adjunct Legal Service was another of a raft of member benefits.
“We’ve introduced a new training program, stepped up our involvement in the hunting space and now our members have access to discounted legal advice from a firearms specialist,” he said.
“Peter Cooper has had a long relationship with SSAA Victoria and our members and we’re pleased he has agreed to now offer his services on a more formal basis.
“We want our members to know they have someone in their corner who can give them a fair go when it comes to legal matters.”
To make an appointment, call Peter Cooper Lawyer on 0430 468 127.
