|
|
 |
 |
Victoria Police - 5 June 2006
Dear (Collector)
Re: Changes for Antique Handgun Collectors - FINAL REMINDER
I wrote to you in February this year outlining the changes to the Firearms Act 1996 that relate to antique handgun collectors.
I am writing to you again to remind you of these imminent changes and provide you with further important information.
End of the Amnesty
As of 1 July 2006:
All antique handguns* except single shot antique handguns will need to be registered; and
Antique handgun collectors who store more than 15 antique handguns in one place will need to install an effective alarm system of a class approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
The current amnesties that apply to these requirements will not be extended and will end on 30 June 2006.
Application for Antique Handgun Collectors Licences
Firearms collectors who own antique handguns manufactured prior to 1 January 1900, that use percussion as a means of ignition, must apply for an antique collectors licence to 1 July 2006. For your application to be considered you must demonstrate that you have been a member of an approved firearm's collectors' club, dealing with the class of firearms collected, for at least 6 months.
The application form for an antique handgun collectors licence is available on the Victorian Police web site at www.police.vic.gov.au (follow the 'Our Services', 'Firearms', and 'Firearms Licence Applications' links) or be contacting Licensing Services Division on 1300 651 645. A Firearms Registration List, with details of all firearms that Licensing Services Divion's records indicate you currently possess, is enclosed.
To apply for an antique handgun collectors licence you must:
1. Complete the application form and provide the required documentation;
2. Add the details of all antique handguns you possess that are not already registered with the Licensing Services Division on the Firearmss Registration list; and
3. Attach the updated Firearms Registration list to your application and forward to the Licensing Services Division.
The required fee for a 5 year licence, payable after the approval of the application, is $252.60 for an individual or $499.90 for a body corporate.
Effective Alarm System Requirements
I reiterate that antique handgun collectors who store more than 15 antique handguns in once place must ensure that the have installed an effective alarm system of a class approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
An 'effective alarm system approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police' is an intruder alarm system, the installation, maintenance and operation of which complies with the Australian Standard AS 2201.1-1998 'Intruder Alarm Systems - Part 1: Systems Installed in Client's Premises'.
In the event of an intrusion the alarm should:
(a) Activate an audible alarm warning device; and
(b) Activate an external visible alarm warning light.
If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that extraordinary circumstances exist which make it technically or practically unfeasible for a licence holder to install, maintain or operate the class of effective alarm system approved above, the Chief Commissioner may approve an alternate effective alarm system on a case-by-case basis.
I urge you to take advantage of the last weeks of the amnesties to address any storage, registration or licensing issues that you may have. I encourage you to act now to avoid exposure to possible prosecution after 1 July 2006 due to non-compliance with the requirements of the Firearms Act 1996.
If you have any queries in relation to the issues raised in this letter, please access the Victoria Police web site or contact Licensing Services Division between the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday - Friday on 1300 651 645.
Yours sincerely
C, Nixon, APM
Chief Commissioner of Police
* Antique handgun means a handgun that was manufactured before 1 January 1900 that uses percussion as a means of ignition. For example; Percussion or later system, cap lock, cap and ball, teat fire, cup fire, rim fire, pin fire, and centre fire.
|
|
Home