Regulations Governing the Formation, Control and Management of Rifle Clubs and Rifle Associations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1929 No. 59, enacted under the Defence Act 1903-1927, addresses the issue of ensuring the safe and responsible sale of empty.303 cartridge shells by Rifle Clubs. This legislative instrument was made by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective is to maintain strict control over the distribution of ammunition to prevent any risk of live cartridges being inadvertently sold, thereby ensuring public safety. The regulations mandate that Captains and Secretaries or Treasurers of Rifle Clubs provide a written certificate to purchasers, confirming that the empty shells contain no live cartridges, and hold them personally responsible for this assurance. This amendment to Regulation 48 aims to enhance oversight and accountability within Rifle Clubs, thus addressing a gap in the safe management and disposal of ammunition.

Scope and Application

The Regulations Governing the Formation, Control, and Management of Rifle Clubs and Rifle Associations, made under the Defence Act 1903-1927, apply to all rifle clubs and rifle associations within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations mandate specific procedures for the sale of empty .303 cartridge shells, requiring that the Captains and Secretaries or Treasurers of these clubs provide a written certificate to the purchaser, confirming that the shells are empty and free of live cartridges. This certificate must also be forwarded to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs upon the completion of the sale. The responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of this certification lies with the officers who sign the document, highlighting their personal accountability in the process. The regulations extend to the entire Commonwealth, thereby encompassing all entities involved in the sale of empty.303 cartridge shells across Australia. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions, applying uniformly to all relevant persons and entities within the designated scope.

Key Provisions

The principal operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1929, No. 59 pertain to the regulations governing the formation, control, and management of rifle clubs and rifle associations. Specifically, Regulation 48 is amended to include a new provision requiring that when empty.303 cartridge shells are offered for sale, the club's Captain and either the Secretary or Treasurer must provide a written certificate to the purchaser. This certificate must explicitly state that the empty.303 cartridge shells have been carefully examined and that no live cartridges are included in the consignment being sold (Regulation 48). Additionally, a copy of this certificate must be forwarded to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs immediately after the sale is completed. The officers signing the certificate are personally responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the statement regarding the absence of live cartridges (Regulation 48). The obligations imposed on the parties governed by these regulations are stringent and precise. Captains and either the Secretary or Treasurer of rifle clubs must ensure that any empty .303 cartridge shells offered for sale are thoroughly examined to confirm that no live cartridges are included. They must provide a written certificate to the purchaser, which must be meticulously filled out with specific details such as the name of the rifle club, the purchaser's name, and the date of the sale (Regulation 48). Furthermore, they must also ensure that a copy of this certificate is sent to the Supervisor of Rifle Clubs as soon as the sale is completed. This dual responsibility ensures accountability and adherence to safety standards. The regulations also delineate specific consequences for non-compliance with the outlined requirements. If the officers fail to adhere to the prescribed procedures, they may be held personally liable for any breach of the certification process (Regulation 48). Although the specific penalties for such breaches are not detailed in the provided text, the personal responsibility mentioned indicates that the officers could face legal repercussions or disciplinary actions if they are found to be negligent or dishonest in their certification duties. This underscores the importance of strict compliance with the regulations to avoid any potential legal or administrative consequences.