Common sense has begun to prevail in light of the 2017 changes
to the weapons licensing regime which made it difficult for primary
producers to hold Category H firearms licences for handguns.
The changes require primary producers to demonstrate that they
have an “occupational requirement” and “genuine
need” to hold a firearms licence for handguns. The Weapons
Licensing Branch of the Queensland Police Service adopted a very
strict test as to whether primary producers had such a requirement
or need.
In a recent decision of the Queensland Civil and Administrative
Tribunal (QCAT), a Quilpie grazier appealed
against the refusal of his handgun licence on the basis that he was
required to use a handgun to protect his own safety while working
in Mulga country. The grazier, who had held a Category H licence
for over 20 years, successfully argued that he was required to ride
a motorbike through Mulga country and carry a firearm for
protection against feral pigs and dogs. In
