NSW: Gun laws only to change if proven: Rees
08 Dec 2008 3:15 PM
SYDNEY, Dec 8 AAP - NSW Premier Nathan Rees says he's prepared to make changes to gun laws, but only if it is proven that stricter measures are required.
A 14-year-old died from gunshot wounds to the face and neck during a sleepover at a rural property in Sydney's south-west on Saturday night.
His 14-year-old friend, who cannot be identified, has been charged with murder after he allegedly accidentally shot him and made a frantic triple-0 call to save his life.
Meanwhile, a Sydney man is in a stable condition in hospital after being injured in a drive-by shooting in the city's north-west.
It was the first of three drive-by shootings reported by police within four hours early on Sunday morning.
Mr Rees said on Monday he had sought a report on the incidents, but did not believe there "are too many weapons available for criminals".
However, he said he was prepared to make changes if necessary.
"If there are things that we need to do, then we will do them, to reduce availability or tighten up provisions relating to gun ownership and control and safe keeping of firearms," he told reporters.
The National Coalition for Gun Control (NCGC) said it would like to see the eradication of minors' permits, which currently allows a 12-year-old to own a semi-automatic hand gun or a self-loading shotgun.
"At 17 a person can drive a car, a person cannot consume alcohol and tobacco until they are 18, but they can shoot a semi-automatic hand gun when they are 12," coalition co-chair Samantha Lee told reporters.
"We believe the legislation is dangerous and should be corrected."
Ms Lee said allowing a 12-year-old to own such a firearm was in breach of the agreement made by the states and commonwealth following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
She said there were many other "gaps" which the NSW government had to look at.
The NCGC and NSW Greens have also criticised the state government for doing a deal with the two Shooters Party MPs which they said puts victims of domestic violence lives at risk.
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said an amendment passed in the last week of parliament would now allow a person with an apprehended violence order to apply to the court to have it revoked, and have their firearms licence reinstated.
Previously, a person's firearm licence was revoked when the order was taken out against them, banning them from keeping guns.
Ms Rhiannon and Ms Lee are urging the NSW government not to proclaim the amendment.
