Police have opened up consultation on changes to firearms fees that could see an increase of up to 500 percent in one instance.
Other than GST adjustments, it's been more than 20 years since the firearms licencing fees have been touched, but that could change - police are looking at how much it would charge to those seeking a license.
The full cost to police of issuing a 10-year firearms licence, including the safety training course, is $960 to $1,060.
The current fee for first-time or subsequent applicants is $126.50. Subsequent applications after expiry or revocation are $241.50.
Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming said more contribution toward the cost of providing regulatory services, like licenses, endorsements, permits and approvals, is being sought.
"This contribution will be sought from licence holders whether they use firearms for business, employment, or recreation."
McSkimming said licence holders are currently paying less than 15 percent of the true cost of a license.
"Even if the current firearms licence fee was doubled, it would fall well short of the actual cost."
Police are consulting on three partial cost recovery options of either a five-year or 10-year license. The options exclude the $88 safety training course.
The proposed options are:
- Option A: Partial 25 percent of cost (75 percent subsidy)
- Option B: Partial 50 percent of cost (50 percent subsidy)
- Option C: Partial 75 percent of cost (25 percent subsidy)
Off these figures, and using first-time applicants as an example, a change from $126.50 to $625.60 is an increase of 394 percent.
McSkimming said an increase in fee from $126.50 to $242.50 currently still requires a Crown contribution of 75 percent.
He said the review is about "exploring" the different levels of Crown funding and fees for those who use the services.
"We want to make it more equitable for all."
In a discussion document released by police, they've weighed up the pros and cons of each proposed option.
In the document, police said options B and C reflect that the possession and use of a firearm "is a privilege".
"Those who exercise that privilege must act in the interests of personal and public safety.
"It also better reflects the principle that the beneficiaries meet the cost of delivering the licensing services," the document outlined.
The document said options B and C could reduce excess demand for a licence from those who may not necessarily need a license "but have obtained one because it is cheap and consider they may at some time want or need to use a firearm".
But going with options B and C could increase the level of non-compliance.
"The extent of this impact is not easy to predict. Those who only occasionally shoot or older licence holders may not renew their licence."
It highlighted going with option A would have a "limited impact" on the number of people seeking a firearms licence.
"It represents a decrease in fee when inflation is taken into account. It relies on a substantial increase in the level of Crown subsidy."
Police said there is "no clear rationale" to increase the level of subsidy considering the type of recreational activity it is.
And police added a change in behaviour from those who use firearms unlawfully is "unlikely to change" because of an increase in subsidy.
The discussion document Arms Regulations Review of Fees invites public submissions until February 16, 2023. It can be found on the Police website.
All submissions will be assessed and considered by Cabinet.
