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AMA Federal Council calls for ban on semi-automatic handguns...again

Following a weekend meeting in Canberra, the AMA Federal Council has again called for a ban on semi-automatic handguns.

AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said that as part of the community debate about Australian gun laws in the wake of the Monash University shootings, the AMA Federal Council formally adopted the following resolution:

"That the AMA strongly supports the Prime Minister in his position on the surrender of semi-automatic hand guns.

The AMA had earlier called for the ban in July this year when the Australasian Police Ministers' Council failed to recommend tightening Australian gun laws to reduce access to handguns.

The AMA believes restricted access to firearms reduces the impulsive purchasing and use of firearms and their use in intentional acts of violence, including suicide.

AMA policy states that 'no persons, other than military and police personnel specifically authorised to carry such weapons, should be permitted to use automatic and semiautomatic weapons (including machine guns)'.

Dr Phelps said that more needs to be done with community education about our gun laws and the dangers that guns of any kind present to safety and security.

"No one should get a firearm licence until they've completed a rigorous, accredited training course," Dr Phelps said.

"People who take on the responsibility of owning a firearm must be aware of the risks, laws and safety issues that go with that responsibility," she said.

"Refresher courses should also be completed as part of the process of reissuing a firearms licence."

Dr Phelps dismissed Justice Minister, Senator Ellison's call this weekend for doctors to identify possible offenders as absolute nonsense. She said there's no magic formula for identifying people capable of committing gun-related crimes. It's also an invasion of privacy for patients who are innocent of any crime, she said.

"While community safety is a community responsibility, it takes solid policy and sound legislation to ensure risks are limited or eliminated," she said.

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306

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