THE Nationals WA leader Shane Love claims Police Minister Paul Papalia’s handling of WA’s firearms regulations has thrown law-abiding owners and dealers into chaos.

“Labor has once again blindsided WA firearms owners with new, last-minute regulations, showing utter contempt for responsible, law-abiding Western Australians,” Mr Love said.

“At no point did Labor indicate rapid-release or push-button firearms would be banned,” he said.

He said WA Police were licensing these firearms as recently as January.

“Yet now they’re banned without compensation, leaving businesses in financial crisis. Labor has warned dealers that if these firearms aren’t removed from their stores by the end of March, they will lose their dealer’s licence,” he said.

“This is government-sanctioned theft. Businesses are stuck with inventory they can’t sell, move, or return.

“The Nationals WA remain the only party committed to rewriting this act, ensuring reforms prioritise community safety and the rights of law-abiding citizens.

“Labor’s refusal to extend the buyback, citing the excuse of caretaker mode is a cop-out.

“Labor had every opportunity to fix this before the second buyback.

“They knew this was coming, but instead, they chose to deceive WA firearm owners until the last possible moment.”

He said Minister Papalia’s suggestion that owners sell their now-banned guns in other jurisdictions was beyond ridiculous.

“Labor pocketed thousands of dollars in licensing fees from these now banned firearms. This is an outright abrogation of property rights,” Mr Love said.

“Minister Papalia must stop hiding and face law abiding firearms owners, he must front up, admit his failure, and commit to a clear, fair resolution. Anything less is an insult to the thousands of responsible Western Australians who he has treated with contempt.”