Bringing firearms licensing and management into the 21st Century
The Tasmanian government has commenced Project Recharge, a cornerstone technology project that will seek to upgrade the state’s antiquated firearms management systems and move many firearms services, such as licensing and permits to acquire, online.
As a key stakeholder in the project team, we have been asked to share details of the project with our members and to encourage them to complete a short survey.
The survey asks questions about the types of changes you would like to see.
Here are just a handful of examples of the types of things the project is proposing:
- Apply and renew licenses online
- Update personal details online and access all your important license information
- Change category or genuine reason online
- Apply for a Permit to Acquire
- View registered firearms and your personal firearm history
- Pay fees and upload important documents
Just remember. This is a technology project, and as such, is limited to improving processes and services. It is not reviewing or proposing changes to firearms legislations or hunting laws.
The survey link will be open until 13 July 2022 at 5pm.
Click the link below, or if you would rather have a paper version of the survey, email firearms.services@police.tas.gov.au
We will also post updates about the project as it progresses as well as information on when you can expect any changes to be implemented.
If you would like to pass on any information through us, please email us at team@huntshack.net
More information on the project
Below is some information taken directly from the Project Recharge information flyer.
What is happening?
The Tasmanian Government has provided funding to the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM) for a business improvement project. This includes the investigation of modern tools for our customers and the staff of Firearms Services.
Project Recharge, together with Firearms Services, is reviewing current business practices, including engaging with you, our customers, to understand your experiences. At the core of this project is maximising the use of technology to streamline management processes and improve existing business practices.
At this early stage, we think that systems improvement and the introduction of online services will be a feature. Our focus is to ensure that any change will better fit the needs of the community, firearms owners, representative bodies and firearms dealers. We also seek to improve community safety and support operational decision-making by providing timely and accurate firearm information to police officers in the field.
Why?
Key recommendations from the House of Assembly Select Committee on Firearms Legislation and Policy were to investigate the feasibility of developing an online licensing system for the management of transactions with the community, and to improve interactions between Firearms Services and firearm owners.
These recommendations have been supported by community feedback and highlight expectations for improved service delivery for firearms license holders and those associted with the firearms industry.
In response, the Tasmanian Government has provided funding to address this recommendation, amongst others.
How long will it take?
The Project will consider all stakeholder feedback to gain insights which will inform the direction and development of the future solution. While the outcome of this planning will dictate the implementation schedule, we are committed to providing updates to interested stakeholders as the project progresses.
What will I be able to do on the new system?
While the benefits to firearm owners, clubs, firearm dealers and associated businesses are yet to be finalised, the Project Team is measuring interest in possible online features such as:
• lodging common requests and following their progress, such as licence applications and renewals, permits and exemptions
• providing supporting documentation for requests
• receiving renewal reminders and notifications, and
• paying fees.
Will this project change current firearm legislation?
No, the Project is not tasked with reviewing legislation. Project Recharge is primarily a business improvement project, using technology as the enabler to do so.
Will I still be able to lodge paper forms?
While an online system will provide significant benefits, both in security and timeliness of processing, you will still be able to lodge paper forms if that better suits your circumstances.
Will my information be secure online?
The security of your personal information is of paramount importance to us. Your information is currently kept secure using best practice security, and this will not change. If anything, security of licence information may be improved. Any solution must comply with the Privacy Act 1998 (Commonwealth) including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the Personal Information Protection Act 2004 (PIP Act). Only authorised officers of DPFEM can access your information as required to undertake their duties.
Where can I find out more?
Updates about the progress of the project will be provided on the Firearms Services website at https://fas.police.tas.gov.au/. In addition, we will keep you informed as the project progresses.
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If you would like to know more about hunting in Tasmania, check out these related articles and podcasts.
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