While the new Firearms Amendment Bill, passed in the Victorian Government this week, raises serious concerns about civil liberty and new police powers, there is one small consolation for the State’s firearms owners.
Advertising of legally owned firearms for sale is now allowed on the internet thanks to an amendment to the Firearms Act 1996 pushed through by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
The amendment was moved by SFFP MP Jeff Bourman who said “an online advertisement will have the same requirements as a printed advertisement with details as specified in the Firearms Act listed.
“A Permit to Acquire must be obtained from the police by someone with a valid shooters licence and that the purchase must go through a licensed dealer.”
He said the amendment aligns the advertising for the sale of legally held firearms in Victoria with the rest of Australia, maintaining a consistent approach and makes it easier for legitimate firearms owners to legally sell their firearms.
“This is merely bringing a part of the legislation into the 21st century,” Mr Bourman said.
“When the laws were originally drafted, the internet was not a household service like it is today and the amendment merely fixes that.”
SSAA Victoria CEO Jack Wegman applauded the change and described it as common sense.
“We are pleased to see this common-sense change in the Act,” he said.
“It’s good news for our members and we thank Mr Bourman and the SFFP for making it happen.”
