NSW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $39.3 MILLION INVESTMENT IN FIREARMS REGISTRY REFORMS
The New South Wales Government has announced a AUD $39.3 million investment into the NSW Firearms Registry as part of a major overhaul of the state’s firearms licensing system.
The funding package follows new firearms legislation introduced after the Bondi Beach terror attack in which 15 people were killed.
The reforms include reducing firearms licence periods from five years to two, strengthening applicant checks, introducing audits of existing licence holders and placing limits on firearm ownership numbers.
The investment will also fund 22 additional staff positions within the NSW Firearms Registry to support licence processing, “genuine reason” checks and expanded reporting requirements.
Yasmin Catley, minister for police and counterterrorism, said: “This $39.3 million investment will deliver 22 extra staff for the Firearms Registry so these reforms can be implemented - strengthening checks, improving oversight and supporting the practical work needed to reduce risk across the state.”
The reforms are expected to attract close attention across the international firearms trade as governments globally continue reviewing licensing systems and compliance procedures.