Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has raised serious concerns about the mental health impacts of Labor’s Firearms Act, following the second day of public hearings in the Legislation Committee review of the laws.
Health professionals told the Committee that the mandatory health assessments required under the legislation are complex and risk creating harmful unintended consequences.
“We heard today that some people are choosing not to go to their GP to access mental health care because they fear losing their firearms licence,” Mr Love said.
“This is particularly troubling in regional and remote communities, where mental health challenges and higher suicide rates are already a reality.
“If the system is discouraging people from looking after their wellbeing, then we have got it very wrong.”
The Committee was also told that many doctors are unwilling to take part in the process, with a poll of 1,300 GPs showing that 80% are unlikely to participate.
“Doctors are being asked to assess not only clinical conditions but also to predict, at a single point in time, whether a patient might one day misuse a firearm,” Mr Love said.
“This is an unreasonable expectation, especially given there are no clear standards for making these assessments — unlike the well-established system for driver’s licence medical checks.”
While GPs are legally protected, the Committee also heard that many are concerned their professional reputation could be at risk if a person they assess as suitable later goes on to misuse a firearm.
“The potential for personal damage weighs heavily on GPs, and if a case is reported in the media, they can also experience professional and reputational harm.”
Mr Love said the hearings showed the current approach was deeply flawed.
“These laws are placing impossible demands on already stretched regional GPs while creating barriers to essential mental health care.
“The Government must urgently listen to this feedback and make changes to ensure the Firearms Act does not inadvertently harm individuals or further strain our health system.”
