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Here's the full text of the media release, FWIW, from the Dept of Premier and Cabinet web site:

FROM THE MINISTER FOR POLICE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

DATE: Sunday, July 10, 2005

NEW LAWS SET SIGHTS ON 'HIGH CAPACITY' WEAPONS

The State Government has signalled its intention to restrict access to a new type of rifle capable of firing up to 30 bullets without being reloaded, and has called on other states and territories to follow suit.

Police & Emergency Services Minister Tim Holding said new laws would ensure weapons capable of being fitted with 'high capacity detachable magazines', or 'clips', were available only to those people who legitimately needed them.

"Manufacturers are now producing rifles that can be fitted with magazines capable of holding up to 30 bullets," Mr Holding said.

"These firearms, when fitted with high capacity magazines, can deliver a high rate of accurate, sustained fire and turn a humble rifle into a more dangerous weapon," Mr Holding said.

Under proposed changes to Victoria's Firearms Act, pump-action or lever-action centrefire rifles capable of being fitted with five-or-more shot detachable magazine will be reclassified as Category C firearms – out of reach of most recreational shooters. These weapons are currently classified as Category B firearms.

Also restricted will be bolt-action centrefire rifles capable of being fitted with a 15-or-more shot detachable magazine. Pump-action, lever-action and bolt-action rimfire rifles capable of being fitted with 15-or-more shot detachable magazines will also be reclassified.

Mr Holding said only shooters who had a proven need for these firearms – like farmers and professional hunters – should be allowed to own them.

"These types of guns should not be in the hands of everyday sporting or recreational shooters, and their use should be restricted as quickly as possible," he said.

Mr Holding said Victoria hoped to be the first Australian state to restrict the sale of these rifles.

"The Bracks Government calls on all state and territory governments to follow our lead and restrict access to rifles that can function with high-capacity detachable magazines," he said.

Mr Holding said the State Government had revealed its intention before the laws had been drafted to minimise the impact on shooters and companies involved in importing the firearms.

"Some sporting shooters may currently be thinking of buying guns that can be fitted with high-capacity magazines," he said.

"We want to give owners and importers plenty of warning so they can prepare for the new restrictions."

Information on how to provide feedback on the proposed changes is available at http://www.justice.vic.gov.au

Make what you will of the 'reasoning' used.

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Cheers,
Doug

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