Why the Arms Legislation Bill is important

Select Committee hearings for the Arms Legislation Bill have finished and it’s now set for a second reading before being debated by the Committee of whole House. The major effect of the bill will be to introduce a register for all firearms in New Zealand, as well as tightening up various other aspects of the law for firearm possession and use.

The bill received an overwhelming response from the firearms community. Over 3,500 people put in written submissions, and the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) spent 41 hours listening to submitters in person.

The FEC made several changes to the original bill in response to submissions. Some major changes are:

1) The bill proposed that changes to firearm ownership should be recorded in the register. Submitters pointed out this would mean every time a firearms owner loaned a rifle or a shotgun to a friend for a short time (such as going on a hunting trip) it would have to be recorded. The committee agreed, so now, changes of possession need only be recorded if the firearm is handed over for more than 28 days.

2) The bill suggested that police could inspect licence holders’ premises at any time to check safety arrangements. Submitters argued this allowed police too much scope. The committee agreed and amended this to police needing to provide seven days-notice of inspection.

3) The bill required gun ranges to have a “duty manager” present at all times when the range was in use. Gun clubs pointed out they already have safety officers present when ranges are being used, and that these people are trained in firearms safety. The committee agreed that having a safety officer present would achieve the same result, and would fit with existing safety practices of the majority of gun clubs.

The select committee process was very effective for ensuring the new legislation is practical and based on the expert evidence from submitters, while ensuring there is better control of firearms in New Zealand. Although many submitters did not support the bill, public opinion research shows that over 60% of New Zealanders do want better control of firearms.

-Deborah Russell, Labour MP based in New Lynn, Auckland.