POLICYTITLE Draft LHIB Firearms Policy

DATE ADOPTED September 2002 MINUTE 15i September 2002

REVISED November 2012, September 2014 REVIEW 5 years

FILE REFERENCE CO0005

ASSOCIATED LEGISLATION

Firearms Act 1996, Firearms Regulation 2006, Crimes Act 1900, Weapons Prohibition Act 1998, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.

ASSOCIATED POLICIES

1. Introduction

This document sets out specific policies and procedures for all Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) officers required to possess and use firearms for official duties and other persons working with or for the LHIB in an official capacity, including contractors.

2. Background

Firearms are standard and essential tools used by nature conservation agencies, local councils and Boards throughout the world to assist in achieving conservation outcomes, particularly in regard to wildlife management, pest animal control and scientific studies. Consequently, such agencies maintain a range of firearms capable of performing diverse functions.

Under the Lord Howe Island Act 1953, the Lord Howe Island Board is charged with the care, control and management of the Lord Howe Island Group. As such, it is necessary for the Board to maintain a number of firearms that enable it to carry out various functions relating to the Island’s management.

Specifically, the Lord Howe Island Permanent Park Preserve Plan of Management outlines certain actions relating to vertebrate pest species which necessitate the use of firearms.

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3. Objectives

1. To ensure all LHIB officers required to use firearms in the course of their duties are appropriately trained in the safe use of firearms, and undertake firearms-related activities with the utmost safety, diligence and professionalism. These officers must be aware of the requirements and obligations of relevant legislation and the LHIB Firearms Policy (policy);

2. To ensure the LHIB provides a safe work environment for all officers; and

3. To ensure humane practices are applied in pest control programs or other management activities that require the destruction of animals.

4. Key Principles

Under the Firearms Act 1996 the definition of a firearm is:

“A firearm means a gun, or other weapon, that is (or at any time was) capable of propelling a projectile by means of an explosive, and includes a blank fire firearm, or an air gun, but does not include anything declared by the regulations not to be a firearm”.

The LHIB will possess and use firearms to fulfil its legislative and policy obligations. In doing so, the LHIB will meet its legal, policy and ethical responsibilities while recognising the practicalities of day-to-day operations as the Island’s management authority.

4.1 Application of the Firearms Act 1996 and Other Legislation

The LHIB will ensure its activities are consistent with all relevant legislative requirements. The major legislative basis for the management of firearms is the Firearms Act 1996. Other relevant legislation includes Firearms Regulation 2006, Crimes Act 1900, Weapons Prohibition Act 1998, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Staff involved in the use of firearms will also be required to hold all necessary Licences required under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.

LHIB officers, and others approved by LHIB, who are required to participate in shooting activities must be legally authorised to do so, and must be aware of the relevant legislation.

4.2 Recreational Shooting

Recreational shooting is not permitted within the LHI Permanent Park Preserve.

With regard to the use of firearms on the Island, the Lord Howe Island Regulation 2004, clause 102 (1) states: “A person must not, except in accordance with the approval of the Board, discharge a firearm on the Island.”

4.3 Risk Management

The use of firearms is one of the most humane and effective techniques for destroying animals. The nature of firearms however, means that this is also a dangerous activity. Firearms are capable of harming people and animals, and damaging property. Firearms will therefore always carry an inherent risk when in storage, possession or use. Compliance with the policy will minimise this risk for LHIB officers and other approved firearms users.

All LHIB personnel and others approved in shooting operations must ensure their actions are responsible, accountable and professional. They must exercise strict compliance with

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relevant legislation and the procedures and technical information contained in this policy. Further information is provided in Section 13 Work Health and Safety.

5. Management Structure and Accountabilities

Personnel with delegated firearms management responsibilities must execute their responsibilities in accordance with the Policy.

5.1 Chief Executive Officer Lord Howe Island Board

The Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) duties include to:

appoint one suitable officer as the LHIB Firearms Officer; approve LHIB officers and other persons working with or for the LHIB in an official

capacity to use firearms; approve all LHIB shooting plans, including aerial shooting plans; and ensure all shooting duties are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and

the LHIB Firearms Policy.

5.2 Lord Howe Island Board Firearms Officer

The LHIB Firearms Officer will take responsibility for all LHIB firearms and their management and use, including being the nominated licence holder of the LHIB government agency firearms licence and will be responsible for managing the day to day use, record keeping and maintenance of those firearms under their control. They must be licensed to possess and use all categories of firearms under their control including specific prohibited weapons requiring a Commissioner’s permit (e.g. silencer).

Duties of the LHIB Firearms Officer include to:

Ensure all LHIB officers required to use firearms in the course of their duties are appropriately trained in the safe use of firearms, and undertake firearms-related activities with the utmost safety, diligence and professionalism. These officers must be aware of the requirements and obligations of relevant legislation and the LHIB Firearms Policy;

Ensure the LHIB provides a safe work environment for all officers; Ensure humane practices are applied in pest control programs or other management

activities that require the destruction of animals. Ensure all LHIB officers firearms licenses are current and renew licenses when

required; Advise the CEO on the number of firearms and firearms users required for the

various functions of the Board; Collate information on the licenses and training of firearms users and store this

information correctly in the relevant registers; Report information on firearms maintenance and use to Supervisors and Managers

when requested; Ensure that firearms safe locations are adequately staffed and managed; Prepare shooting plans and complete job safety analysis involving shooting

operations; Ensure that each firearm under their control does not come into the hands of an

unauthorised person; Ensure that firearm safe keys are kept in a secure location and that they do not come

into the hands of an unauthorised person; Ensure that PAB firearm registers (PAB 27 and 29) at each firearms safe location are

filled in correctly and are kept in a secure location and

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Ensure that firearms are inspected every 3 months and serviced by a gunsmith every 12 months (as stipulated in Clause 26 and Clause 81 of the Firearms Regulation 2006).

All personnel approved by the LHIB CEO who use, possess or manage firearms or who supervise staff who use, possess or manage firearms, must have access to a copy of the policy. The policy may also be distributed to other NSW government agencies or to NSW government agency contractors, for their information.

6. Possession and Use of Firearms

6.1 Possession and Use of Firearms by LHIB Officers

The LHIB will possess and use firearms to fulfil its legislative and policy obligations in a range of areas, including:

Vertebrate pest animal control programs (including wildlife management activities at the Lord Howe Island Aerodrome);

Animal welfare, including the humane destruction of injured wildlife where rehabilitation is not possible; and

Scientific research programs.

The LHIB will only utilise appropriately trained and licenced officers to possess and use firearms for shooting activities.

Under clause 102 (1) of the Lord Howe Island Regulation 2004 it states: “A person must not, except in accordance with the approval of the Board, discharge a firearm on the Island.”

All LHIB officers and other persons working with or for the LHIB in an official capacity undertaking official firearms duties must obtain an authority to discharge a firearm on LHI by the LHIB CEO; this authority must be renewed annually.

LHIB officers must only possess and use LHIB owned firearms while on duty and only in the categories of LHIB firearms that have been specified on the officers NSW Firearms Licence.

All LHIB authorised officers will comply with LHIB Shooting Operational Procedures and undergo a Job Safety Analysis and Plan of Operations brief prior to using a firearm.

LHIB officers must be authorised to harm animals under section 171 of the NPW Act (Authorisation Card).

If a LHIB officer is no longer required to possess and use firearms for official LHIB purposes, the LHIB Firearms Officer must ensure that the officer writes to the Firearms Registry notifying them of the expired need for the officer to have the genuine reasons of ,‘vertebrate pest animal control’, ‘animal welfare’ or ‘business/employment’ listed on their licence.

6.2 Possession and Use of Firearms by others approved by the LHIB

The CEO must approve other persons, including staff from other agencies, consultants, and contractors to undertake specific firearms related tasks for the LHIB.

When a contractor is used by the LHIB for approved shooting activities, all contracts must include clauses requiring the contractor to comply with all relevant legislation and all sections of the LHIB Firearms Policy.

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Before a non-LHIB individual is approved to possess and use firearms on behalf of the Lord Howe Island BoardLHIB, the LHIB Firearms Officer must:

Sight and retain a copy of the original NSW Firearms Licence (not a photocopy) and ensure that the licence is current and valid; that it is endorsed for the specific category of firearm(s) to be used; and that it is issued for reasons which are consistent with the proposed use or operation;

Sight written confirmation of the successful completion of the OEH level 1 and level 2 firearms courses courses.(unless the person is a FAAST accredited shooter undertaking an approved aerial shooting program)

Sight written confirmation from an appropriately qualified person (as defined in clause 26(1) (f) of the Firearms Regulation 2006 of the safe condition of the firearm(s) to be used;

Ensure that the person is authorised to harm animals under section 171 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974;

Be satisfied that the person has an awareness of all relevant legislative requirements and has been provided with a copies of the LHIB Firearms Policy, the LHIB Shooting Operations Plan and Job Safety Analysis endorsed by the CEO;

Ensure that the person has relevant insurance policies for personal injury and public liability of at least $10 million.

A non-LHIB individual that is approved by the LHIB CEO to possess and use firearms on behalf of the LHIBoard are required to possess & use their own firearms while undertaking firearms duties for the LHIB.

A non-LHIB individual that is approved by the LHIB CEO to possess and use firearms on behalf of the LHIBoard cannot use a firearm to humanely destroy animals unless they have “animal welfare” or “business/employment” listed as a genuine reason on their firearms licence.

6.3 Volunteers

Volunteers must not possess or use firearms, whether LHIB firearms or privately owned, in the performance of any tasks associated with those voluntary activities.

7. Licensing and Approval

The LHIB must have a NSW government agency firearms licence. The CEO LHIB Firearms Officer will be the nominated government agency firearms licence holder for the Island.

All firearms within the LHIB’s armoryarmoury will be registered to the LHIB government agency firearms licence.

The LHIB CEO Firearms Officer will be deemed by the NSW Firearms Registry to be responsible for ensuring compliance with all aspects of the firearms legislation with respect to those firearms and ammunition.

It is the responsibility of the LHIB Firearms OfficerCEO to advise the Firearms Registry, in writing, of any changes to the details of the government agency firearms licence within 7 days of those changes.

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7.2 Approval & Licensing Requirements

A NSW government agency firearms licence may be issued to a LHIB officer for work purposes where the CEO LHIB Firearms Officer is satisfied that the use of a firearm is necessary, appropriate and directly related to the performance of the officer’s duties.

The CEO must approve each LHIB officer who is to possess and use firearms for official duties and must ensure that each approved officer is essential for firearms duties.

Each LHIB officer required to use firearms for official duties must have a LHIB endorsed firearms licence. The only allowable reasons to be stated on a LHIB officer’s firearms licence when undertaking official LHIB duties are:

‘vertebrate pest animal control’, ‘animal welfare’, and ‘business/employment’.

LHIB officers may only use LHIB owned firearms and LHIB ammunition under their endorsed firearms licence and the categories listed under that licence.

7.3 Expiry, Refusal, Revocation or Suspension of a Firearms Licence or Permit

LHIB officers, on becoming aware of such circumstances, must immediately report to the LHIB CEO Firearms Officer all known details with respect to:

I. A Firearms Licence or permit which has been refused; orII. A Firearms Licence or permit which has expired; orIII. A firearm licence or permit which has been suspended or revoked.

A NSW Firearms Licence which is expired, been refused, revoked or suspended is not a valid licence and an officer who does not possess a valid NSW Firearms Licence must cease all firearms related activities until such time as the licence is renewed.

7.4 Firearms Licence Renewal

Renewal of a NSW Firearms Licence, and maintaining an awareness of current licence validity, is the responsibility of individual LHIB officers who have been approved to use firearms on LHI.

7.5 Firearms Registration

LHIB firearms are not to be registered under an individual officer’s name and address. All LHIB firearms are, without exception, to be registered in the name of the LHIB, with the LHIB CEO nominated as the corporate representative.

7.6 CostsOfficers that are required to hold a NSW Firearms Licence for work purposes are entitled to reimbursement of the cost of the licence application and renewal.

LHIB officers are also entitled to the reimbursement of the cost associated with the firearms safety and awareness training, attendance at the annual OEH Firearms Awareness Days (see section 15) or other items (and costs) that are essential in gaining a valid NSW Firearms Licence and LHIB approval to use a firearm.

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8. Specifications

8.1 Armoury Specifications

The LHIB may possess and use firearms that fall within the Licence Category A and B only.

Standard firearms that the LHIB may possess and use, subject to approval of the CEO and their recommended application are as follows:

Calibre Specification Recommended use

.17 Rimfire, bBolt action, stainless steel barrel, barrel not less than 20 inches long, laminated wood or synthetic stock (preferred), detachable magazine (preferred)

Range: < 80 100 metresApplication: target animals in traps or in field and euthanasia of injured animalsTarget animals: birds, ducks, injured animals needing to be euthanised.

.22 Rimfire ,bBolt action, stainless steel barrel, barrel not less than 20 inches long, laminated wood or synthetic stock (preferred), detachable magazine (preferred)

Range: < 50 50 metresApplication: target animals in traps or in field and euthanasia of injured animalsTarget animals: birds, ducks, injured animals needing to be euthanised.

.223 Bolt action, stainless steel barrel, barrelnot less than 20 inches long, laminatedwood or synthetic stock (preferred),detachable magazine (preferred)

Range: < 150 metresApplication: target animals in traps or in fieldTarget animals: dogs, feral goats, injured animals needing to be euthanised.

.30 calibre bolt action or lever action stainless steel barrel, barrelnot less than 20 inches long, laminated wood or synthetic stock (preferred),detachable magazine (preferred)

Range: < 200 metresApplication: target animals in the fieldTarget animals: dogs, feral goats, injured animalsneeding to be euthanised.

12 gauge Bolt action, side by side, over and underdouble barrel or single break barrel shotgun, barrel not less than 24 inches long, laminated wood or synthetic stock (preferred).

Range: < 30 metresApplication: target animals in the fieldTarget animals: pest bird species

*check http://environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/humane-control.html to ensure the firearm selected for the programme complies with the COPs and SOPs

8.2 Specialised Firearms

The following specialised non-standard firearms may also be used by the LHIB following approval:

rifles with silencers; net guns; and tranquilliser firearms.

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8.2.1 Silencers

The LHIB CEO Firearms Officer must determine the number of LHIB officers who will use silencers and the CEO must provide written approval for their use for each such officer.

The purchase or possession of rifle silencers must be approved by the CEOLHIB Firearms Officer.

The LHIB must have an appropriate NSW Police Commissioner’s permit for the use of silencers with all personnel to use the silencer listed on it.

The relevant LHIB Firearms Officer will be the nominated permit holder for any silencers held.

All contractors and others approved by the CEO to shoot on LHI must have the specific NSW Police Commissioner’s permit to possess and use a rifle silencer before they are authorised by the CEO to shoot using a silencer on LHI.

8.2.2 Net Guns

The LHIB Firearms Officer must determine the number of LHIB officers who will use net guns and the CEO must provide written approval for their use for each such officer.The CEO must determine the number of LHIB officers who will use net guns and provide written approval for their use for each such officer.

Each LHIB officer who uses a net gun must have undergone appropriate training in the safe and humane use of net guns.

Net guns must be stored in level 2 firearms storage, with ammunition stored in the safe’s lockable ammunition compartment and the net stored in a separate safe or other secure location from the net gun.

Only LHIB officers who are approved and trained to use net guns and who are listed on a Commissioner’s permit or have a licence for net guns should have access to net guns. In most cases, a separate safe will be required to ensure that unauthorised LHIB officers do not have access to these firearms.

The transportation of net guns will be the same as for other LHIB firearms (see Section 9.3).

8.2.3 Tranquiliser

The LHIB Firearms Officer must determine the number of LHIB officers who will use tranquilisers and the CEO must provide written approval for their use for each such officer.The CEO must determine the number of LHIB officers who will use tranquilliser firearms and must provide written approval for their use for each such officer.

Each LHIB officer who uses tranquilliser firearms must be listed on a valid tranquilliser firearms permit and must have undergone appropriate training in the safe and humane use of tranquilliser firearms.

Tranquilliser firearms must be stored in level 2 safe storage facilities if in the form of a longarm and level 3 safe storage facilities if in the form of a pistol and should be stored separately from ammunition and any syringes or injecting devices. Ammunition should be stored in the safe’s lockable ammunition compartment and syringes and injecting devices should be stored in a separate lockable compartment.

Only LHIB officers who are approved and trained to use tranquilliser firearms and who are listed on a tranquilliser firearms permit should have access to tranquilliser firearms. In most

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cases a separate safe will be required to ensure that unauthorised LHIB officers do not have access to these firearms.

The transportation of tranquiliser firearms will be the same as for other LHIB firearms (see Section 9.3).

If using specialised firearms/firearm attachments the LHIB CEO must ensure that:

the appropriate licence or permit for each item is held by any officers (where required);

the appropriate safe storage and use guidelines as specified by the NSW Police Firearms Registry are followed;

any conditions set out on a permit or licence are complied with and LHIB officers using each item are trained in its safe and proper use.

8.3 Quantity of Firearms

The LHIB will maintain the minimum number of firearms needed to fulfil its legislative and policy obligations.

The Firearms Officer will advise the CEO of the required number, types and calibres of firearms required for the various functions of the Board.

9. Acquisition, Handling, Movement and Disposal of Firearms

9.1 Acquisition of Firearms

The LHIB may acquire additional firearms, subject to approval by the CEO. The LHIB Firearms Officer is to provide the CEO with a brief which assesses the type and calibre of firearm required and its suitability for the intended purpose. Firearms purchased by the LHIB should only be those types listed in the standard armoury outlined in section 8.1.

Where the LHIB is required to purchase a new firearm, the government agency firearms licence holder (the CEOLHIB Firearms Officer) must obtain a permit to acquire request form, fill it out and send it to the Firearms Registry.

Upon receipt of the permit to acquire, the LHIB may purchase the firearm from a licensed firearms dealer.

All firearms acquisitions should be entered into the PAB27 register and registration certificate should be kept on file.

9.2 Handling and Use

Firearms must be rendered inoperable (for example by removing the bolt or firing mechanism or using a trigger lock) whenever firearms are not in use.

Firearms must not be stored or transported with ammunition in the chamber or magazine unless the firearm is in the hands of a licensed officer and the firearm is required to be held in a state of preparedness ready for immediate discharge as part of a LHIB operation.

A person must not handle or use a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug likely to impair the safe and professional use of a firearm. Substantial penalties apply.

LHIB officers who undertake shooting duties should take appropriate precautions to ensure adequate hearing protection is used.

Only factory made ammunition, consistent with the SAAMI Standard, will be used in LHIB 9

firearms.

9.3 Transport of Firearms

Transport of firearms and ammunition must comply with the provisions of sections 50, 52, 55, 56 and 57 of the Firearms Act 1996 and clause 26, 125 & 126 of the Firearms Regulation.

LHIB officers who transport LHIB firearms must be properly licensed or authorised to possess the firearms being transported.

LHIB officers organising the transport of LHIB firearms by commercial means must ensure that the freight company is registered to transport firearms and ammunition and that the person receiving the firearm has the correct licence category and permit or approval to take possession of the firearm. In the event that LHIB firearms cannot be transported by commercial means, the firearms must be delivered in person.

The LHIB Firearms Officer is responsible for the transportation of LHIB firearms to a licensed armourer or a gun smith for annual servicing pursuant to section 12.1.

9.4 Loss, Theft or Destruction of a Firearm

If a LHIB firearm is lost, stolen or destroyed, the officer nominally in possession of the firearm must immediately notify LHIB Firearms Officer.a Police Officer and the LHIB CEO.

The LHIB CEO Firearms Officer must subsequently provide details of the loss, theft or destruction of the firearm(s) immediately to a Police Officer and the LHIB CEO and to the NSW Firearms Registry within 7 days.

9.5 Disposal of Firearms

The disposal of LHIB firearms must be determined by the LHIB Firearms Officer and must be approved by the LHIB CEO CEO.

Upon disposal of a firearm to a firearms dealer or police officer, the firearm’s registration certificates must be provided.

After the disposal of a firearm or firearm attachment the CEO LHIB Firearms Officer must advise the Firearms Registry in writing of the firearm or firearm attachment’s disposal, method of disposal, and attach a copy of the firearm’s registration certificate and/or Commissioner’s permit (where applicable).

10.Storage of Items

10.1 Storage of Firearms

All firearms not in an LHIB officer’s physical possession must be stored in a locked container that meets the requirements of Part 4 of the Firearms Act 1996 and clause 26 of the Firearms Regulation.

All LHIB firearm safes must meet a minimum of level 2 storage requirements

Prohibited firearms used for FAAST activities must meet level 3 storage requirements

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Ammunition stored by the LHIB must be kept in a locked metal cabinet. Ammunition may be kept in the receptacle with the firearms, but must be kept in a separate locked container within the receptacle.

LHIB oOfficers must not store privately owned firearms in LHIB firearms storage facilities.

Except for the purposes of storing or removing a firearm, the firearms safe must be locked at all times.

Firearms must always be stored unloaded, and where possible, with the bolt or firing mechanisms removed or trigger locks used. Bolts and firing mechanisms can be stored with ammunition.

The following must be secured separately from each other, in facilities approved by the NSW Police Service:

[I.] Firearms;[II.] Bolts and/or firing mechanisms;[III.] Ammunition.

Keys to gun safes must only be held by an authorised LHIB officer who possesses a Firearms Licence that is endorsed for the categories of firearms that are being stored.

Under section 42 of the Firearms Act 1996, a Police Officer must seize any firearm or ammunition that the Police Officer has reasonable grounds to believe is not being stored in accordance with the Act.

11. Firearms Records and Auditing

11.1 Firearms Register

Clause 81 of the Firearms Regulation applies to a government agency by virtue of clause 26(12) which stipulates a government agency must keep in the approved form:

“A register in which are kept particulars of the acquisition of firearms by, the servicing of firearms on behalf of, and the disposal of firearms and ammunition by, the employer; and

A register in which are kept particulars of the names of each employee who is authorised by a licence to possess a firearm, and of the periods for which each such employee has possession of the firearm”.

The official registers to be used by the LHIB are:

PAB 27: Register of acquisition, disposal and servicing of firearms PAB 29: Register of transfers of firearms and ammunition PAB 58: Register of employees authorised to use firearms.

The PAB firearms registers 27 and 29 should be stored separately to the firearms and ammunition (i.e. not in either of the safes), in a location where they are easily accessible when removing or returning firearms as well as available for inspection and auditing purposes.

When removing or returning a firearm from the safe, LHIB authorized shooter must issue the firearm to the shooter receiving the firearm, and this should be reflected in the associated entry in the PAB 29. It is preferred that the issuing shooter and the receiving shooter are different individuals. However, if no other authorised shooters are available to issue the

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firearm, the authorised shooter should sign the firearm out in the associated PAB 29. as both the issuer and receiver of the firearm.

11.2 Annual Firearms Audit

The LHIB will conduct an annual firearms audit. The audit and audit report will be conducted and prepared by a Firearms Officer employed by the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) or a suitably qualified NSW Police Officer.

The Annual Firearms Audit will be conducted using Attachment 9 ‘OEH Internal Cross-Regional Firearms Audit Pro-Forma’ of OEH’s Firearms Management Manual 2010.

The annual firearms audit report will be provided to the Lord Howe Island BoardLHIB for their information and review.

12. Care, Maintenance and Modification of Firearms

12.1 Care and Maintenance of Firearms

LHIB officers using firearms and any associated accessories must ensure they are cleaned and maintained to a high standard during use and storage.

Clause 26 of the Firearms Regulation stipulates that each firearm in the possession of a NSW government agency must be:

inspected by a competent person (LHIB firearms officerLHIB Firearms Officer) every three months to confirm its safe working condition.

serviced at least once a year by an appropriatelya qualified person a licensed armourer or a gun smith.

These events must be recorded in the PAB 27 and PAB 29 registers.

12.2 Modification of Alteration of Firearms

No modification or alterations are to be made to LHIB firearms without the prior written consent of the LHIB CEOFirearms Officer.

Modifications or alterations may only be completed by a licensed armourer, gunsmith, or by the NSW Police Service Armoury, andgunsmith and must be certified as safe.

13. Work Health and Safety

The LHIB will comply with all relevant legislation to provide a safe work environment for all staff. The LHIB will ensure all shooting programs are conducted within occupational health and safety requirements. All LHIB authorised firearms officers will comply with LHIB Sshooting Operational Procedures.

Before any shooting operation is undertaken a Shooting Operation Plan must be prepared by the LHIB Firearms Officer relevant staff, reviewed by relevant staffrelevant management staff and approved by the LHIB CEO. The shooting operation plan should be accompanied with a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and delivered through a Job Safety Brief (JSB) before commencement of operation.

A shooting operation may focus on a specific type of activity (e.g. aerial shooting) or a particular target species (e.g. Mallard, Masked Lapwingplovers). Shooting operations plans must comply with the Australian Federal Government’s COPs and SOPs for humane destruction of feral animals http://environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/humanecontrol .html

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The LHIB firearms officers must always conduct a spot risk assessment before discharging a firearm in the course of their duties. A spot risk assessment requires the officer to be satisfied that the following conditions exist:

there is no obvious or apparent risk to staff safety; there is no obvious or apparent risk to public safety; there is no obvious or apparent risk to private property; and it is the best option in terms of animal welfare.

All firearm related accidents or safety breaches by LHIB firearms officers, or others approved by the LHIB, must be reported immediately in accordance with the LHIB’s Accident and Near Miss Reporting and Investigation Procedures.

If the LHIB CEO Firearms Officer deems that legislation may have been breached during the incident, all information about the incident must be immediately reported to the CEO and the police, as per section 9.9.2 of the NSW Government Personnel Handbook.

After a firearms related incident, the LHIB CEO will ensure WorkCover requirements are met.

LHIB staff will be made aware of their rights and responsibilities in respect of firearms safety in the course of their duties.

14. Animal Welfare

The LHIB will ensure that all approved firearms officers are appropriately licenced, trained in and undertake best practice humane destruction techniques whenever undertaking duties that may require the capture, immobilisation or destruction of animals. Officers will ensure all personnel under their supervision must undertake these activities in a professional and humane manner.

To avoid the risk of inducing suffering in animals, the only acceptable option in all pest animal control programs is the use of as many well placed shots as necessary to ensure an animal is killed as quickly as possible and with an acceptable level of certainty.

Shooting operations must comply with the Australian Federal Government’s COPs and SOPs for humane destruction of feral animals. http://environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/humanecontrol.html

15. Training and Re-accreditation

15.1 Training

A training and re-accreditation program will support the use of firearms for official LHIB duties. Such programs will be co-ordinated by the LHIB Firearms Officer. All LHIB authorised oOfficer’s must maintain a current NSW firearms licence and accreditation of a firearms safety and awareness qualification recognised by the NSW Police Service.

LHIB approved shooters and contractors must have completed both the level 1 and level 2 firearms training course to use firearms for official LHIB duties.

Re accreditation must be completed every 5 years.

LHIB shooters may attend an OEH Annual Firearms Awareness Day annually with the approval of their Manager, the LHIB CEO and the Regional Manager of the OEH region where the training is being staged. Alternatively, the training may be conducted by an OEH Regional Firearms Officer on LHI.

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An in-house training program and practice day will be co-ordinated by the LHIB Firearms Officer and be undertaken at least annually.

On island, live firearms training (i.e. target practice and sighting-in firearms) will require liaison with the Police Officer to inform them of location, times and caliber of firearm discharge.

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