Summarised by Centrist
A New Zealand Army officer applying to renew his firearms licence was informed by the Firearms Safety Authority that, due to his service in Afghanistan, he needed a criminal record check from local Afghan authorities (ie. the Taliban).
The officer, who served in conflict against the Taliban, was stunned by the request, which would require him to seek a positive reference from the very group he fought against.
ACT Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron expressed outrage, calling the situation “an absolute doozy.” Cameron criticised the Firearms Safety Authority and Police for their treatment of licensed firearms owners, especially veterans.
“Veterans are often treated with suspicion, as if they are all unstable and PTSD-addled,” he said, describing it as an “utterly disrespectful” way to treat those who served overseas.
Cameron also referenced ACT’s coalition commitment, which led to the transfer of responsibility for the Firearms Safety Authority from the Police to another department, a move now being advanced by ACT MP Nicole McKee.
