Middlecoat v Commissioner of Police

Walter Charles Middlecoat appeals the decision of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to affirm the decision of the Commissioner of Police to revoke his firearms licence. The appeal was heard by Hall J, who dismissed the appeal on the basis that the appeal had become academic as more than 12 months had passed since the licence expired. The primary issue before the court was whether the provisions of s 9A(7) of the Firearms Act 1973 (WA) precluded renewal of a firearms licence more than 12 months after its expiry and, if so, whether the powers of the SAT under s 29 of the State Administrative Tribunal Act 2004 (WA) exceeded those of the original decision maker. The court concluded that the plain meaning of s 9A(7) precluded renewal of a firearms licence more than 12 months after its expiry and that the powers of the SAT did not exceed those of the original decision maker. The appeal was dismissed.