Proposed amendments to Western Australia’s gun laws aim to strengthen measures against domestic violence by empowering police to seize firearms from individuals accused of such offenses without the need for a warrant.
Police Minister Paul Papalia announced the forthcoming changes, emphasizing the urgency to enhance existing laws in response to tragic incidents like the recent murder of Perth mother Jennifer Petelczyc and her daughter, Gretl, by a man seeking his ex-wife.
Under the proposed amendments, police will have the authority to suspend a gun owner’s license and confiscate their firearms upon reports of domestic violence or threats thereof. This action will remain in effect until a review determines the individual’s suitability to possess a firearm.
Current legislation mandates firearm seizure only upon the issuance of a violence restraining order, but the amendments will lower this threshold to proactively address potential risks.
While acknowledging potential opposition from some gun owners, Papalia emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing safety over the privilege of gun ownership. He asserted that while no law can entirely prevent domestic violence, the proposed measures could have impacted recent tragic events.
Additionally, the amendments will impose stricter criteria for obtaining or retaining a collector’s license, requiring individuals to demonstrate a genuine and sustained interest in firearms preservation or collection and membership in an approved firearm collectors’ society. Handgun collection will be restricted to firearms with significant historical value, aged over 50 years.
The proposed laws also prohibit the collection of live ammunition for firearms listed under a collector’s license.
The tragic murders of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc have prompted renewed scrutiny of existing gun laws in Western Australia, prompting discussions on the adequacy of current regulations in preventing similar incidents. The proposed amendments seek to address gaps in the law and enhance protections against domestic violence-related firearm misuse.