New direction for licensed armourers and licensed dealers

Licensed armourers and licensed dealers will now be able to provide essential services to primary producers and other industries which rely on weapons to do their jobs.

The latest direction from the Chief Health Officer said licensed armourers and dealers may store, modify, repair, acquire or supply weapons and ammunition to specific groups.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the direction provides clarity and certainty for those industries and individuals who need licensed armourers and licensed dealers to carry out their work.

“This is a sensible decision which will allow our agriculture sector to get on with the job of feeding Queenslanders,” the Minister said.

“To do that, our primary producers need access to firearms to properly manage pests on their properties.”

The direction also allows licensed armourers and licensed dealers to provide weapons and ammunition to:

• commercial pest controllers or feral animal controllers,
• vets,
• shark control contractors, and
• a number of other state and federal bodies.

The Minister said the government received strong representation from primary producers and other groups on this issue and this latest direction provides a sensible, workable and practical solution.

“Our primary producers are playing an essential role as we battle against COVID-19 and these latest measures will make it easier for them to do their jobs,” he said.

“As Queenslanders, we have to work together to tackle this unprecedented challenge to our community, so when  we come out the other side we are stronger and more united than ever before.”

ENDS

Media contact: Ron Goodman 0427 781 920