Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee [Part 2], , 1:37:37 to 1:42:27
Senator McKenzie inquires about the B79 firearm import process, permit delays, and the number of consignments currently held in ABF custody.
Topics: Firearms, Trade policy
Speakers: Hon Bridget McKenzie, Speaker 18, Stephanie Foster, Unknown Speaker, Gavan Reynolds
I'll spring.
>> I didn't even mean that pun, but here we
>> I I'll just ask assistant commissioner Smith to come to the table.
>> Okay. Excellent. Thank you. Um, how many single-use police certifications has the ABF received since January 26 compared with the same period in 2025? >> Thank you, Senator. Uh, Tony Smith, assistant commissioner, uh, Customs Compliance and Enforcement. Um, Senator, I don't have those details available, but I can take them on notice for you.
>> Do you have today this this the January 26 data?
>> No, I'm sorry, I don't. I'll take it on
>> Uh, how many home affairs permit applications uh for handguns have been approved, refused, and appending?
>> Uh, Senator, uh, that that permit scheme is managed within the department, but not through the ABF. So, I don't have those details available. So, who would I
have to ask secretary to get the answer to that?
>> Yeah, Senator, I'm sorry. It's the um
>> All right, we'll consider that put on notice for outcome one. >> How many firearm consignments are in ABF custody awaiting permits today?
>> Uh Senator, I don't have that for you. I'll have to take that on notice as well. So, uh, just to be clear, the number of firearms that we have actually on hold waiting for >> firearm consignments, >> I don't have that breakdown. >> What breakdown do you have? What data do you have? >> I can provide you with data in relation to um the ABF's seizure rates in terms of firearms at the border and >> oh, the illegal firearms. our perspective, I think from the ABF perspective, Senator is around the enforcement of firearms at the border and not around the policy management. And per >> to a degree. Uh from a border perspective, some firearms, depending on the type of firearm, might be managed by local state authorities if permits are required from a state authority, such as certain gel blasters from certain states and territories.
assets and um paid for gear that's awaiting permits. and that um law abiding business owners are waiting um for permits to be uh issued and are currently paying storage costs. Are they not?
>> Um understood the question, Senator. Yes, I understand where you're coming from there. I would have to take that on notice. I wouldn't hold the details in terms of the number of items stored.
secretary. Um, every single estimates I arrive and ask some questions about um, the implementation of the government's um, unfair gun laws. Um, so I just want to make sure next estimates when I arrive, the officials actually arrive with stuff in their folders that will allow them to answer these type of very basic questions. How much gear is waiting for permits? um how much is it costing, how many certifications has the ABF received, etc. I'll be continuing to ask those questions. Um so, how many applications have been refused under the public safety test?
>> Senator, that is a question that runs through the permit scheme which is managed by within the department.
Um, Secretary, have the um rules been made as a legislative instrument as the act requires around um the tests, the public >> The ABF probably wouldn't know the answer, but you would.
>> So, I don't know the answer, Senator. I was just going to suggest that we will work through how we can better meet your um your questions at estimates but um we are always very happy to be advised in advance >> what you would like to cover so that we can >> tell the chair what outcomes we need and I can make sure the officers are
prepared. Uh, when will the Department of Home Affairs respond to industry papers on speed loaders, moon clips, handgun disposable, and category H
>> I'm sorry, Senator, I just don't have the the team here who deals with those