Explosive shooting targets illegal in Queensland
Published Wednesday, 25 July, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps
The Queensland Government has issued a warning to licenced shooters that it is unsafe and illegal to use products containing explosives for target practice.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said government explosives inspectors had become aware some shooters may be illegally using imported products marketed as “Tannerite exploding rifle targets.”
“Tannerite contains ammonium nitrate and other ingredients which are classed as explosives and are very dangerous,” Mr Cripps said.
“They can detonate on handling causing serious and life-threatening injuries.”
Mr Cripps said the explosive rifle targets were being promoted as an aid to shooters to indicate from a distance they had hit their target.
“While the overwhelming majority of Queensland shooters are acting responsibly, I’m concerned some recreational shooters may be importing Tannerite through the internet.
“Claims by some sellers that Tannerite and similar explosive target products are legal are simply false.
“It is illegal in Queensland to buy, sell, manufacture or possess these explosive products.
“Not even licensed shooters, rifle ranges and clubs can legally use them and no explosives licence will be issued for their use.
“Professional shooters and organisations know this but the occasional recreational shooter might not be aware of the law or the potential danger to human life.”
Penalties of up to $40,000 or six months jail apply to anyone illegally possessing, transporting or manufacturing explosives in Queensland.
Queensland’s Explosives Act 1999 reflects a national agreement that access to ammonium nitrate should be strictly regulated.
Ammonium nitrate is not available at all for private use, and the transport of products that contain it is heavily restricted.
Commercial users must be specifically licensed to import, possess, and sell products that incorporate it. The licence has to specify the purpose for which it will be used, for example, an authorisation for its application in a scene on a film set.
Go to http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health/important-notices.htm for more information.
[ENDS] 25 July 2012
Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Dan Hall 0409 891 34
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said government explosives inspectors had become aware some shooters may be illegally using imported products marketed as “Tannerite exploding rifle targets.”
“Tannerite contains ammonium nitrate and other ingredients which are classed as explosives and are very dangerous,” Mr Cripps said.
“They can detonate on handling causing serious and life-threatening injuries.”
Mr Cripps said the explosive rifle targets were being promoted as an aid to shooters to indicate from a distance they had hit their target.
“While the overwhelming majority of Queensland shooters are acting responsibly, I’m concerned some recreational shooters may be importing Tannerite through the internet.
“Claims by some sellers that Tannerite and similar explosive target products are legal are simply false.
“It is illegal in Queensland to buy, sell, manufacture or possess these explosive products.
“Not even licensed shooters, rifle ranges and clubs can legally use them and no explosives licence will be issued for their use.
“Professional shooters and organisations know this but the occasional recreational shooter might not be aware of the law or the potential danger to human life.”
Penalties of up to $40,000 or six months jail apply to anyone illegally possessing, transporting or manufacturing explosives in Queensland.
Queensland’s Explosives Act 1999 reflects a national agreement that access to ammonium nitrate should be strictly regulated.
Ammonium nitrate is not available at all for private use, and the transport of products that contain it is heavily restricted.
Commercial users must be specifically licensed to import, possess, and sell products that incorporate it. The licence has to specify the purpose for which it will be used, for example, an authorisation for its application in a scene on a film set.
Go to http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health/important-notices.htm for more information.
[ENDS] 25 July 2012
Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Dan Hall 0409 891 34