Dennis La Varenne
acting Secretary
SSCV
Dennis, feel free to expand on this and maye give a little background if you feel it is appropriate. some Glossary might be useful for those who don't know what SSCV and VicNats are, for example. Like me,
In the same email, Dennis notes:Folks,
Due to the excellent nature of the response from individuals and organisations regarding the proposed Control of Weapons Regulations, Police Minister Haermeyer announced in the Parliament on Tuseday a one month extension to the consultation period, which will now close on Friday 10/10/03. The consultation extension will be published in the newspapers shortly, and the astute ones amongst you will instantly note that by the time people find out about it the extension is in reality only three weeks or less. Time is therefore of the essence!
The purpose of the extension is for persons or organisations who have not yet had the opportunity to make a submission to now make one, and for persons who have already made a submission, to be able to lodge a supplementary submission with additional comments and/or information. I would encourage you all to do so. Submissions can be a simple one-page document simply stating that you do not want Swords and Crossbows made Prohibited Weapons and that Inert and Imitation Explosives should not become Controlled Weapons, and attach a few good reasons why.
Every submission counts!
I would also encourage you all to make delegations to the Minister and try to arrange a meeting with him to express your concerns directly. This can be done by contacting Steve Cusworth on 9651 6900. It is very important that Swords and Crossbows are not made Prohibited Weapons and that Inert and Imitation Explosives do not become Controlled Weapons for reasons that are outlined in the VicNats submission. I have again attached a copy of the VicNats submission for your information and distribution.
We have had many callers from interstate about this matter who are concerned about the flow-on effect, in that once made Regulation in Victoria, the same will occur in other states and territories. This is, of course, highly likely, so it must be nipped in the bud in Victoria. Please send this information to your interstate counterparts and encourage them to also make sensible, polite and reasoned submissions about the matter.
Some people have asked about the role of the Srutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) in the current process. It should be made clear that the SARC does not enter into issues of policy, ie: the SARC will not address the policy decisions or issues that are behind the establishment of an Act or a Regulation. The SARC generally only considers areas where the proposed Act or Regulations may be in legal breech of other Acts or Regulations. Nevertheless, there may be some scope for persons to make representation to the SARC under section (a) clauses (i) (ii) & (iii).
The SARC website can be found at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc and I have attached a copy of the SARC Terms of Reference for your information.
The Control of Weapons Regulatory Impact Statement is available at http://www.justice.vic.gov.au and is listed on the home page. Also attached is Bill's Media Release about the extension of time, and a copy of the Proof Hansard of the dabate in the Parliament on Tuesday night.
This email can be circulated widely.
Go to it!
Regards,
David Barton
Electorate Officer to
Bill Sykes MP
Member for Benalla
Ph: 5762 2100 Fx: 5762 4478
- ErronPS: The contact details of the Council's new Secretary who will be taking
over a little later this year are -
Mr Rob Hodder
10 Lambeth Street
Kensington VIC 3031
Ph: 03 9376 1153
Email: robhodder@optusnet.com.au