Late last year a 'forum' was constituted between the Firearms Registry NSW and peak hunting bodies to address concerns of club officials of the requirements of member attendance and subsequent Annual Returns required under the Firearms regulations.

Many problems associated with the requirements were discussed as were possible solutions. The views of the clubs have been considered by the registry and the minister for police. Another forum will be held to 'finalise' these concerns.

The forum took place on 12 July 1999. The follwing was the result:

• Clubs will be allowed to submit their returns on a date which suits them as long as they notify the registry in writing before September 1999.
• A shooter is pro-rata if he/she joins half way through the club's membership year, but only for the first year of membership.
• The permit to aquire has now been extended to a 60 day permit, and should only take 25 days turn-around.
• All associations and organisations should get their submissions on the Firearms Act to the Police Minister as soon as possible. The Registry will also be making a submission.