Commonwealth Numbered Regulations - Explanatory Statements

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CUSTOMS AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (NO. 2) 2001 NO. 63

STATUTORY RULES 2001 No. 63

Issued by the Authority of the Minister for Justice and Customs

Customs Act 1901

Customs Amendment Regulations 2001 (No. 2)

Section 270 of the Customs Act 1901 (the Act) provides in part that the Governor-General may make regulations not inconsistent with the Act prescribing all matters which by the Act are required or permitted to be prescribed for giving effect to the Act.

These Regulations amend regulation 168(b) of the Customs Regulations 1926 ("the Regulations") by adding a new approved firearm which, in specific circumstances, may be issued to officers of Customs.

Section 189A of the Customs Act provides for Customs officers to carry and use approved firearms and other approved items of personal defence equipment in certain circumstances. An approved firearm is firearm of a kind declared by the regulations to be an approved firearm for these purposes.

These regulations prescribe another firearm for these purposes. Item 1 of Schedule 1 inserts the Remington 870 Marine Magnum shotgun as a new firearm which may be approved for use by Customs officers.

This weapon will be carried by Customs officers to provide self defence from dangerous marine and land animals, particularly crocodiles, sharks, snakes and wild pigs. In remote areas of northern Australia, Customs officers conduct patrols away from the main Customs vessel, utilising the vessel's tenders to provide transport ashore. Customs officers investigate airstrips, landing and camp sites and other reported activities in the area. In emergency situations, the firearm may be used to obtain food.

The regulations commenced on gazettal.