The Hon. Daniel (Dan) Purdie MP
Minister for Police
Queensland Government
Dear Minister,
Subject: Concern Regarding WA Legislation Impact on Sporting Shooters in Queensland
I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed medical and psychological testing for sporting shooters legislation currently being considered in Western Australia. As a retired Queensland police officer with a career dedicated to ensuring the safety and integrity of our communities, I believe this legislation sets a dangerous precedent that might have implications beyond Western Australia.
While the intent behind this legislation may be rooted in safety, the discriminatory requirements imposed on sporting shooters raise serious concerns. It is crucial to recognize that this initiative could evoke ripple effects across other states, potentially influencing perceptions and policies surrounding responsible firearm ownership and usage in Queensland and elsewhere.
Key Concerns:
- Unequal Treatment Across Sports: The proposed legislation targets sporting shooters with requirements that are not uniformly applied to other high-risk recreational activities. For instance, participants in rock climbing, skydiving, and motorsports are not held to similar psychological scrutiny despite comparable risks. This inconsistency fosters a perception of bias against lawful firearm owners.
- Lack of Evidentiary Basis: There is insufficient evidence to suggest that licensed sporting shooters pose a higher risk to public safety than individuals engaged in other recreational sports. Existing regulations already encompass rigorous safety and compliance measures.
- Legal and Ethical Implications: The legislation raises significant legal concerns, particularly around principles of equal treatment before the law and potential infringements on personal privacy. Without robust justification, such measures may be subject to legal challenge and ethical scrutiny.
- Stigmatization of Lawful Shooters: The proposed requirements may unintentionally cast a negative light on the entire community of sporting shooters, fostering stigma and undermining the respectability of responsible firearm ownership. It could discourage participation in a sport that is enjoyed safely by many.
Request for Consideration:
I urge you to reconsider the implications of such legislation, as it may lead to legal challenges and societal discord. It would be prudent to either withdraw the proposed law or amend it to address these inconsistencies and engage in thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders, including associations representing sporting shooters, mental health experts, and legal professionals.
In closing, I believe that fostering an open dialogue about these issues is essential to maintaining community trust and ensuring that our regulatory measures are both fair and effective. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Lyons
QPS Retired ####
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Comments requested.