Apr2011_CAROLYNs PINE RIVERS NEWS
State Member for Pine Rivers
Government to make changes to Weapons Act in two stages
The Bligh Government will proceed with changes to the Weapons Act 1990 in two stages to ensure any amendments strike the right balance between the need for community safety and the legitimate interests of weapon users and owners.
The review of the Weapons Act and Regulations commenced in 2008 and involved extensive stakeholder engagement. The review recommended significant changes to the Act to make it more user-friendly, and as a result the Act and its Regulations were re-written.
The Government believes that the issues raised during the public consultation justify additional consideration. That is why the government will proceed with amendments to the Weapons Act in two distinct stages.
Stage one of the amendments would deal with those changes that are considered relatively straight forward and have already been announced by the Government.
These changes include:
Increased penalties for behavioural offences;
Regulation of possession of hand-held, battery-operated lasers;
A requirement for weapons licence applicants to complete an approved firearms safety course;
Expansion of the current definition of bladed weapons in line with a national approach;
Tighter regulation of rifles designed to use high capacity magazines;
Clarifying that a person may possess a knife in public place for genuine religious reasons; and
Removing the requirements for RSLs to licence and register permanently deactivated public monuments
Stage two will focus on the more contentious policy issues, such as the regulation of imitation weapons, which attracted substantial community debate last year.
Queensland already has a rigorous weapons licensing system however we must ensure the laws remain modern and responsive. That’s why we’re doing this review and that’s why we’re taking the time to ensure we get it right.
More jail time for animal cruelty
The maximum penalty for serious animal cruelty will more than triple in most cases under tough new proposed laws approved by State Cabinet.
A new offence of serious animal cruelty, with a maximum penalty of 7 years’ jail, will apply to anyone who inflicts severe pain or suffering on an animal with deliberate intent.
The new provision will be inserted into the Criminal Code with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment to better reflect the gravity of serious animal cruelty offences.
The new offence will send a very clear message that a conviction for serious animal cruelty deserves and demands appropriate punishment.
The Criminal Code already provided for up to three years in jail for unlawfully killing, maiming or wounding domestic animals, and up to seven years where the death or injury was inflicted on commercial livestock.
The new law will make sure justice can be done by increasing the maximum penalty from three to seven years’ jail for serious offences against all animals.
Very importantly, that penalty will be based not on an animal’s monetary value as property, but on our moral obligation to protect it from wilful cruelty.
Calls for locals to get creative for Youth Week (Competition runs until May 31st)
Young Queenslanders are being encouraged to get creative and express themselves for the chance to win a share in more than $10 000 worth of prizes as part of Youth Week 2011.
The ‘Own It!’ online competition is now open, and provides an opportunity for young people to have their voices heard on issues they care about, and to express themselves in a creative way.
Previous year’s entries had looked at challenging youth issues like homelessness, drugs and alcohol, mental health, body image, violence and peer pressure as well as concerns about the environment.
The young entrants can participate in any medium they choose, including still photography, video animation, music or written word.
The prizes allow the four winners to choose between a digital SLR camera, laptop, and music or video editing software valued at $1500 each.
A People’s Choice Award to the value of $500 will be awarded, along with a $50 prize to people who vote for their favourite entry.
The school with the highest percentage of entrants will also be rewarded for their participation with a prize to the value of $1500.
The competition has two categories – Junior (12-17 years) and Senior (18-25 years) – and runs from April 1st until 5pm on May 31st 2011.
Youth Week runs from 1 to 10 April. For more information visit www.youth.qld.gov.au
The Government believes that the issues raised during the public consultation justify additional consideration. That is why the government will proceed with amendments to the Weapons Act in two distinct stages.
Stage one of the amendments would deal with those changes that are considered relatively straight forward and have already been announced by the Government.
These changes include:
Increased penalties for behavioural offences;
Regulation of possession of hand-held, battery-operated lasers;
A requirement for weapons licence applicants to complete an approved firearms safety course;
Expansion of the current definition of bladed weapons in line with a national approach;
Tighter regulation of rifles designed to use high capacity magazines;
Clarifying that a person may possess a knife in public place for genuine religious reasons; and
Removing the requirements for RSLs to licence and register permanently deactivated public monuments
Stage two will focus on the more contentious policy issues, such as the regulation of imitation weapons, which attracted substantial community debate last year.
Queensland already has a rigorous weapons licensing system however we must ensure the laws remain modern and responsive. That’s why we’re doing this review and that’s why we’re taking the time to ensure we get it right.
More jail time for animal cruelty
The maximum penalty for serious animal cruelty will more than triple in most cases under tough new proposed laws approved by State Cabinet.
A new offence of serious animal cruelty, with a maximum penalty of 7 years’ jail, will apply to anyone who inflicts severe pain or suffering on an animal with deliberate intent.
The new provision will be inserted into the Criminal Code with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment to better reflect the gravity of serious animal cruelty offences.
The new offence will send a very clear message that a conviction for serious animal cruelty deserves and demands appropriate punishment.
The Criminal Code already provided for up to three years in jail for unlawfully killing, maiming or wounding domestic animals, and up to seven years where the death or injury was inflicted on commercial livestock.
The new law will make sure justice can be done by increasing the maximum penalty from three to seven years’ jail for serious offences against all animals.
Very importantly, that penalty will be based not on an animal’s monetary value as property, but on our moral obligation to protect it from wilful cruelty.
Calls for locals to get creative for Youth Week (Competition runs until May 31st)
Young Queenslanders are being encouraged to get creative and express themselves for the chance to win a share in more than $10 000 worth of prizes as part of Youth Week 2011.
The ‘Own It!’ online competition is now open, and provides an opportunity for young people to have their voices heard on issues they care about, and to express themselves in a creative way.
Previous year’s entries had looked at challenging youth issues like homelessness, drugs and alcohol, mental health, body image, violence and peer pressure as well as concerns about the environment.
The young entrants can participate in any medium they choose, including still photography, video animation, music or written word.
The prizes allow the four winners to choose between a digital SLR camera, laptop, and music or video editing software valued at $1500 each.
A People’s Choice Award to the value of $500 will be awarded, along with a $50 prize to people who vote for their favourite entry.
The school with the highest percentage of entrants will also be rewarded for their participation with a prize to the value of $1500.
The competition has two categories – Junior (12-17 years) and Senior (18-25 years) – and runs from April 1st until 5pm on May 31st 2011.
Youth Week runs from 1 to 10 April. For more information visit www.youth.qld.gov.au
Carolyn.
