Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I support my colleague on this side of the chamber and I do not accept the inference by Senator Cash in her question. The work this government has done in border protection has been extraordinary. Australia has some of the toughest laws covering the importation, possession and use of semi-automatic handguns. The minister is happy to take advice from experts on this. As the minister has always said, he has an open mind when it comes to opportunities to crack down on organised crime. He will take advice from the Australian Crime Commission and he will even take advice from the opposition if they could add a positive spin.

The reality is you will not be allow to import or possess of these weapons unless you have a legitimate reason. Our borders are very secure when it comes to this issue. The reality is that police must certify a person as a legitimate user if the person is to be able to import and possess these weapons. Under our existing regulations legitimate users are limited to police or military for official purposes, sporting shooters, security firms and bona fide collectors. Australia has very tough legislation covering the importation, possession and use of firearms. When it comes to the work the Customs minister has done in this area, those opposite would want— (Time expired)