Member for Orange, Russell Turner said the Coalition supported the passage of the Bill as the previous Act had over-regulated the licensing of guns and shooters through the Firearms Registry.

“Under the changes the 28 day waiting period applying to the issue of licenses and permits to acquire a firearm will be waived.

“Antique firearms will no longer require registration, with certain conditions,” he said.

Secretary of the Mudgee and District Sporting Shooters Club, Errol Grieve welcomed the new laws but said a few details needed to be clarified.

“For instance we know the 28 day waiting period has been waived but we don’t know how long it will be.

“Hopefully it will bring NSW into line with Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland where the wait is just seven days.

“Even with amendments, NSW remains one of the strictest states in Australia with regard to gun laws.

He said the changes also meant that unlicensed people were able to shoot at clubs under supervision.

“This measure ensures safety and encourages more people to join local clubs.

“Previously they had to wait for a club open day or during an approved firearms safety course to learn to shoot,” he said.

Mr Grieve said the 1996 Act had been a knee jerk reaction to the Port Arthur massacre.

“The result was an over-regulation involving a massive amount of red tape.

“All shooters accept the need for guns to be controlled and shooting clubs make sure members act responsibly in locking away firearms and ammunition.

“A gun is a bit like a motor vehicle and no matter how much you regulate the laws there is always a possibility that it may be misused,” he said.

He said in NSW the Firearms Registry had 180,000 licensed holders.

Changes to the 1996 Firearms Act

A waiting period is not applicable when renewing an existing licence or permit and where a permit to acquire a firearm is sought by a person already in possession of a registered firearm of that type.

Unlicensed people can shoot under the supervision of a licence holder at approved ranges after a written declaration to authorities.

Antique firearms (pre 1900) will be exempt from regulations. Pre 1900 multi-shot muzzle loading percussion pistols and those capable of firing obsolete metallic cartridges will be exempt from registration although a licence will be required for their possession.

All antique firearms are subject to the safekeeping requirements of the Act.