10. Question No. 10—PoliceNICOLE McKEE (ACT) to the Minister of PoliceQuestion No. 10—Police10. NICOLE McKEE (ACT) to the Minister of Police: Is she concerned that increasing fees for a new firearms licence from $126.50 to $625.60 as proposed in the Arms Regulations: Review of Fees discussion document will deter potential applicants and encourage the illegal use of firearms and is she also concerned that increasing the firearms dealers licence fee from $204 to $2710 annually will impact upon the safe use of firearms within the community?Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Minister of Police): Thank you Mr Speaker. No because decisions have not yet been made on setting fees for the licensing regime. Fees for a firearms licence haven't changed in over two decades during which time the Government has heavily subsidised the practice to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. I think taxpayers would expect this fee to be reviewed after that period of time. In saying this I'm mindful that we need to have a system that is welcoming to law-abiding firearms users and I'm committed to having a system that is fair and proportionate. I've been advised that Police have received over 6000 submissions on the consultation document and I look forward to reviewing these before taking any further decisions.Nicole McKee: Can the Minister guarantee that proposed increases for visitors' firearms licences from $25 to a maximum of $470 will not negatively impact upon the small businesses such as hunting guides who host international—Hon Dr Duncan Webb: Oh subsidising hunters?Nicole McKee: —visitors?SPEAKER: And whoever that was who was interrupting while that question was being asked needs to stand withdraw and apologise.Hon Dr Duncan Webb: I withdraw and apologise.Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: It is not our intention to encourage firearms licence holders to disengage from the firearms regulatory system so fees need to be set at levels that neither deter applicants nor encourage retention of firearms without a licence. The Government needs to consider a wide range of options before deciding on the final fees for providing the services sought by licence holders.Nicole McKee: Does the Minister recognise that the proposal to impose a $590 import fee for those returning home from overseas with a sporting firearm may bring about an end to New Zealanders competing and achieving in shooting sports internationally?Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: The Government needs to consider a range of options before deciding on the final fees for providing the services sought by licence holders. I look forward to receiving the submissions that have come in and the recommendations I will get from Police.Nicole McKee: Will the Minister acknowledge that the need for Police to increase fees and to recover costs is a direct result of rushed and ill-thought-out firearms policy implemented by her Government in 2019 and 2020?Hon GINNY ANDERSEN: The fee has not increased since 1999. Set at $126 for 10 years that works out to be $12.60 a year. Cabinet will consider submissions and recommendations from Police before determining what fees or firearm licensing should be. Other regulatory systems such as dog control have annual registration fees for the privilege of owning a dog and there is much more involved in assessing if someone is fit and proper for what is involved in administering a firearm.