NATIONALS PUSH FOR REVIEW OF FIREARM LICENSING DIVISION

The Nationals have written to the Auditor-General seeking a review of the Victoria Police Licensing Services Division (LSD).

The Nationals Spokesman for Natural Resources Peter Hall and Spokesman for Police and Emergency Services Bill Sykes have both raised concerns about long delays in the processing of firearm licence applications.

"I have received several complaints from country Victorians who have a legitimate use for a firearm and are forced to wait an inordinate amount of time for licence applications to be processed," Mr Hall said.

"The delays are frustrating and in the case of primary producers, they can be costly as farmers are prevented from carrying out vermin control if they don't possess a current firearms licence."

Dr Sykes said the situation had been brought to his attention by the Combined Firearms Council of Victoria (CFCV) which came to the conclusion that an independent review of the licensing division was overdue.

"I have received a report from CFCV which raises concerns about the overall efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of the Licensing Services Division," Dr Sykes said.

"The Firearms Council believes that there is a need to reorganize firearm licensing and registration to improve the efficiency of the service and The Nationals are calling on the Auditor-General to examine the options.'

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066