Richard Prosser MP
Spokesperson for Police
6 December 2012

Firearms Bill Puts Public And Police At Risk

New Zealand First says the flawed Arms (Military Style Semi-automatic Firearms and Import Controls) Amendment Bill, which passed its third reading in Parliament today will make the country a more dangerous place.

Police spokesperson Richard Prosser says the Bill will allow unlicensed 18-year olds to buy realistic replica firearms after the Government rejected his amendment which would have plugged the loophole.

“We have one incident a week where an idiot points a replica firearm at a police officer who has no way of knowing whether the gun is real or not.

“A full-scale firearms incident often ensues with the very real possibility that someone will get shot.”

Mr Prosser was also critical of regulation-making powers in the Bill which could see some firearms owners forced to dispose of powerful semi-automatic weapons because re-classification of certain rifles would mean they were no longer legal under the owners’ existing class of licence.

“There is a danger these firearms could find their way into the underworld.

“It goes to show that this Bill has been crafted by people who simply do not understand firearms or the realities surrounding their use,” says Mr Prosser.

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ENDS

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