Drizzt
Member
Herbert River Express (Australia)
July 5, 2003 Saturday
SECTION: SPORT; Pg. 12
LENGTH: 283 words
HEADLINE: New restrictions on crossbows access
BODY:
THE Queensland Government would consider new laws to regulate the possession and use of crossbows, Police Minister Tony McGrady said recently.
Mr McGrady said an Australasian Police Ministers' Council (APMC) meeting had agreed that all jurisdictions would prohibit or require licensing for access to crossbows as a matter of urgency.
He said he had for some time been considering the merits of a licensing and registration scheme for crossbows and the matter would now be one for State Cabinet.
"In the wrong hands, crossbows amount to a weapon as dangerous as a firearm. Crossbows have been used to kill or maim Queenslanders in the past," Mr McGrady said.
"But there are a number of people who legitimately engage in crossbow shooting in Queensland for sporting purposes, with 17 clubs across the State. In addition, crossbows are used by some people for occupational purposes such as marine biologists, veterinarians and parks and wildlife officers.
"Therefore, we need to ensure any new proposals do not unfairly disadvantage these groups."
One proposal which Mr McGrady has been examining is regulating crossbows like other weapons, with users requiring a licence and having to register their crossbow with authorities.
"New offences would also be created to prohibit their possession in public without a lawful excuse and to prevent their use in a dangerous manner," he said.
"Obviously these matters will now need to be referred to State Cabinet for further consideration."
He said the new proposals could help to enhance the current laws in Queensland, and would extend upon current requirements for large cross-bows (with an arm brace) to be licensed and registered."
July 5, 2003 Saturday
SECTION: SPORT; Pg. 12
LENGTH: 283 words
HEADLINE: New restrictions on crossbows access
BODY:
THE Queensland Government would consider new laws to regulate the possession and use of crossbows, Police Minister Tony McGrady said recently.
Mr McGrady said an Australasian Police Ministers' Council (APMC) meeting had agreed that all jurisdictions would prohibit or require licensing for access to crossbows as a matter of urgency.
He said he had for some time been considering the merits of a licensing and registration scheme for crossbows and the matter would now be one for State Cabinet.
"In the wrong hands, crossbows amount to a weapon as dangerous as a firearm. Crossbows have been used to kill or maim Queenslanders in the past," Mr McGrady said.
"But there are a number of people who legitimately engage in crossbow shooting in Queensland for sporting purposes, with 17 clubs across the State. In addition, crossbows are used by some people for occupational purposes such as marine biologists, veterinarians and parks and wildlife officers.
"Therefore, we need to ensure any new proposals do not unfairly disadvantage these groups."
One proposal which Mr McGrady has been examining is regulating crossbows like other weapons, with users requiring a licence and having to register their crossbow with authorities.
"New offences would also be created to prohibit their possession in public without a lawful excuse and to prevent their use in a dangerous manner," he said.
"Obviously these matters will now need to be referred to State Cabinet for further consideration."
He said the new proposals could help to enhance the current laws in Queensland, and would extend upon current requirements for large cross-bows (with an arm brace) to be licensed and registered."
