BAC seeking clarity around customary hunting rights

BAC is listening to members who have concerns about the new Firearms Act 2024, and we’ve written to the premier to seek some clarity about the property letter requirements.

Ballardong Noongar firearms licence holders are telling us that they’re having trouble meeting the administrative requirement for a property letter from a farmer or land holder saying that the holder of the letter has permission to use firearms on their property.

Customary hunting of yonga (grey kangaroo) is an integral part of Noongar cultural practice, and s.103A of the CALM Act provides the legal basis for Aboriginal people to be able to use firearms to hunt on CALM Act managed lands (subject to certain safety requirements and the Firearms Act 1973). For the last decade, Aboriginal corporations have been providing Noongar people with letters confirming Aboriginality, and until now they’ve been sufficient to meet the WA Firearms Unit’s property owner permission requirement.

Given the widespread confusion about how the new Act will affect Noongar customary hunting rights, we’ve written directly to the premier’s office to get answers. We’ll let you know as soon as we get them.

The Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation will always be a strong advocate for the rights of Noongar people to practice culture on country, and provide food for their family.