http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=52601 Farmers battle ban on handguns 30th December 2007, 9:00 WST <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="310"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <!-- begin Content News Wa ad --> <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"> ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000; document.write('<script language="JavaScript" src="http://ad.au.doubleclick.net/adj/thewest_news/wa_news;tile=9;sz=300x250;ord=' + ord + '?" type="text/javascript"></scr' + 'ipt>'); </script><script language="JavaScript" src="http://ad.au.doubleclick.net/adj/thewest_news/wa_news;tile=9;sz=300x250;ord=2090446425748786.5?" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- Template Id = 2593 Template Name = Banner Creative (Flash) - In Page --> <!-- Copyright 2006 DoubleClick Inc., All rights reserved. --><script src="http://m1.au.2mdn.net/879366/flashwrite_1_2.js"></script> <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="DCF167928267" height="250" width="300"> <embed src="http://m1.au.2mdn.net/467760/ANZ0003_JanSale_300x250_perth_30k_y.swf?clickTag=http%3A//ad.au.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3640/3/0/%252a/u%253B167928267%253B0-0%253B0%253B23310707%253B4307-300/250%253B24056345/24074198/1%253B%253B%257Efdr%253D167402676%253B0-0%253B0%253B13527002%253B4307-300/250%253B24131868/24149721/1%253B%253B%257Esscs%253D%253fhttp%3A//www.airnewzealand.com.au/%3Futm_source%3DTheWest%26utm_medium%3D300x250%26utm_term%3DTOTAL%26utm_content%3DRosCPC%26utm_campaign%3DJanSale" flashvars="clickTag=http%3A//ad.au.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3640/3/0/%252a/u%253B167928267%253B0-0%253B0%253B23310707%253B4307-300/250%253B24056345/24074198/1%253B%253B%257Efdr%253D167402676%253B0-0%253B0%253B13527002%253B4307-300/250%253B24131868/24149721/1%253B%253B%257Esscs%253D%253fhttp%3A//www.airnewzealand.com.au/%3Futm_source%3DTheWest%26utm_medium%3D300x250%26utm_term%3DTOTAL%26utm_content%3DRosCPC%26utm_campaign%3DJanSale&clickTAG=http%3A//ad.au.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3640/3/0/%252a/u%253B167928267%253B0-0%253B0%253B23310707%253B4307-300/250%253B24056345/24074198/1%253B%253B%257Efdr%253D167402676%253B0-0%253B0%253B13527002%253B4307-300/250%253B24131868/24149721/1%253B%253B%257Esscs%253D%253fhttp%3A//www.airnewzealand.com.au/%3Futm_source%3DTheWest%26utm_medium%3D300x250%26utm_term%3DTOTAL%26utm_content%3DRosCPC%26utm_campaign%3DJanSale&clicktag=http%3A//ad.au.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3640/3/0/%252a/u%253B167928267%253B0-0%253B0%253B23310707%253B4307-300/250%253B24056345/24074198/1%253B%253B%257Efdr%253D167402676%253B0-0%253B0%253B13527002%253B4307-300/250%253B24131868/24149721/1%253B%253B%257Esscs%253D%253fhttp%3A//www.airnewzealand.com.au/%3Futm_source%3DTheWest%26utm_medium%3D300x250%26utm_term%3DTOTAL%26utm_content%3DRosCPC%26utm_campaign%3DJanSale" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" swliveconnect="true" wmode="opaque" name="DCF167928267" base="http://m1.au.2mdn.net/467760/ANZ0003_JanSale_300x250_perth_30k_y.swf?clickTag=http%3A//ad.au.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3640/3/0/%252a/u%253B167928267%253B0-0%253B0%253B23310707%253B4307-300/250%253B24056345/24074198/1%253B%253B%257Efdr%253D167402676%253B0-0%253B0%253B13527002%253B4307-300/250%253B24131868/24149721/1%253B%253B%257Esscs%253D%253fhttp%3A//www.airnewzealand.com.au" allowscriptaccess="never" height="250" width="300"></object> <noscript></noscript><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">if ((!document.images && navigator.userAgent.indexOf('Mozilla/2.') >= 0)|| navigator.userAgent.indexOf("WebTV") >= 0) {document.write('<a href="http://ad.au.doubleclick.net/jump/thewest_news/wa_news;tile=9;sz=300x250;ord=123456789?" target="_blank"><\/a>');}</script><noscript></noscript> <!-- End ad --> </td></tr></tbody></table>Pastoralists are battling moves to stop them carrying handguns, claiming that they are an essential “tool of the trade” to shoot feral animals or injured livestock. A review of the State’s firearms legislation by WA Police has proposed changes which will allow only people in security-related occupations to own handguns. Pastoralists say they have carried handguns for decades and need light weapons they can carry easily on horseback or motorcycle during mustering to protect themselves against wild camels or rogue bulls. They also are needed to put down sick and injured stock. Police released a discussion paper in October after consulting dealers, club and recreational shooters. WAFarmers has urged its members to make submissions after they got an extension until next month. Pilbara pastoralist Lang Coppin, of Yarrie Station, 250km east of Port Hedland, said many pastoralists owned a handgun, which often was more practical to carry and use than a rifle. “Just about every property would have one registered pistol,” he said. “They are convenient to carry when you’re mustering and you can draw and shoot instantly if something is charging at you.” His workers, horses and livestock also were at risk from being charged by feral animals. Firearms inquiry unit officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Ronald Timmins said the suggested amendment was designed to clear up regulations confusion. A person could get a handgun licence if required in the course of their occupation. But since 1996, people had to show a “genuine need” for restricted firearms and destroying stock or vermin was not considered such. “It was always intended that the occupation was intended purely for security guards in pursuit of their occupation and their escorting of cash and valuables,” he said.“If a farmer can say he uses it for his job, what’s stopping a bank teller, professional fisherman, pharmacist or a service station proprietor working into the early hours of the morning from saying they need one.” JODIE THOMSON
“If a farmer can say he uses it for his job, what’s stopping a bank teller, professional fisherman, pharmacist or a service station proprietor working into the early hours of the morning from saying they need one.” A very good question, and who among us would say they don't?
