March 15, 2023
Member for Hill Shane Knuth, in a question to the Minister for Police today, called on the Minister to instruct Weapons Licencing to drop its objections to QCAT, to allow applicants legal representation at hearings regarding Weapons Licence application refusals.
Mr Knuth's question follows on from revelations yesterday that wait times within the QPS Weapons Licencing division have hit 35 weeks, or more than eight months, for licence applications and 46 days to obtain a permit to acquire.
Mr Knuth said the Ministers response was bizarre.
"The Minister basically agreed that appeals to QCAT are legal matters that should follow the letter of the law, yet emphatically said no to withdrawing Weapons Licencing objections to allow average Queenslanders the right to legal representation at these hearings,” Mr Knuth said.
"We have a number of farmers and law-abiding citizens whose weapons licence renewals or new applications appear to be automatically denied," said Mr Knuth.
“However, when applicants in the past appealed to QCAT and had legal representation they were more likely to have the decision overturned.
“So make your own mind up as to why only a few months ago weapons licencing has started objecting to licence applicants receiving legal representation at QCAT hearings."
Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto said the Government should be targeting black market weapons and NOT legitimate and responsible firearm owners.
"All we are asking for is a level playing field. Give average Queenslanders natural justice and the right to legal representation on an issue that is complex,” Mr Dametto said.
“Here's an idea. Start targeting black market weapons and real criminals. Stop wasting QCAT’s time and departmental resources by persecuting responsible and legitimate gun owners,"
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