Council National Representation
Sporting Shooters And Firearms Advisory Council
A national firearms council comprised of national firearms interest groups, including the NT Firearms Council, and the Commonwealth Attorney Generals Department, Australian Customs, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Crime Commission had been set up by the previous Commonwealth Government. The new government at least initially decided to continue this arrangement. The first meeting under the new regime was held on 1 December 2008 at the request of Minister Bob Debus. While no firm commitment was made, it was stated at the time that future meetings would occur regularly but as of May 2010 the current Minister had not called another meeting. There has, of course, been a cabinet reshuffle(s) since 2008. Advice has been received that interest groups could register items of concern with the Minister but it would appear that the future of SSFAC is far from certain.
NT Firearms Advisory Council
The FAC was established pursuant to section 55 of the NT Firearms Act and is responsible, at the request of the Minister, for advising the Commisioner of Police on applications for registration of firearms, to establish guidelines for establishment of shooting ranges, safe practices with use of firearms and review operations of the Act. It consists of the executive members of the council, a member of the Police Force nominated by the Commissioner and other persons nominated by the Minister. The last meeting was held on 29 January 2010 and three more are scheduled for this year. Records of these meetings are available from the NTFC office.
NT Firearms Tribunal
This tribunal was established pursuant to section 50 of the NT Firearms Act. It consists of the Chief Magistrate or his/her nominee, a member nominated by this Council and one nominated by the Commissioner or Police. The tribunal has the powers to review appeals against decisions made by the Commissioner with respect to administration of the Act. Tribunals are relatively infrequent and only two occurred during 2009 and none yet in 2010.
