By Serious concerns raised over inadequate consultation on the Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024
SIFA has today raised serious concern about the grossly inadequate period that has been allocated for public submissions on the Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024.
The comprehensive bill proposes a wide range of changes to various aspects of law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety legislation.
Among the changes are also several items that will affect licensed and law-abiding firearms owners and the Queensland shooting industry, with the bill proposing the introduction of a firearms prohibition order scheme, a verification process for purchasing small arms ammunition, and reforms to the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test.
Request for consultation was sent out at 3:05pm on May 3, 2024, with a closing date of 10:00am on May 16, 2024, allowing just 8 business days for submissions.
As part of the consultation process, the Government has provided 471 pages of proposed legislation, explanatory notes, Hansard, and other statements that need to be reviewed and considered in order to respond to the proposed legislation.
The complexity of what is required has led to SIFA calling on the Queensland government and Police Minister Mark Ryan to act fairly and increase the consultation period to 6 weeks to allow adequate time for people and businesses to respond.
James Walsh SIFA CEO said, “put simply, there is no way that the provided information can be adequately reviewed, and an erudite, reasoned, and professional response developed in the time allocated. As this matter is of significant public interest, the Queensland Government and Police Minister Mark Ryan must ensure this process is not rushed and this important piece of legislation is given the time it deserves for public consideration and scrutiny”.
SIFA strongly encourages all relevant stakeholders complete a submission to the enquiry, and to express your concerns around the lack of adequate consultation to:
The Hon. Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Police and Emergency Services: police@ministerial.qld.gov.au
The Hon. Steven Miles, Premier: premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au
The Hon. Dan Purdie, Shadow Minister Police and Emergency Services: ninderry@parliament.qld.gov.au
The Hon. David Crisafulli, Leader of the Opposition: leader@opposition.qld.gov.au
Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee Secretary cslac@parliament.qld.gov.au
