Member - Firearms Appeals Committee

About the Firearms Appeals Committee

The Firearms Appeals Committee (the Committee) is an independent statutory appeals body established under section 154(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) (the Act). The function of the Committee is to review firearm licensing decisions of the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police (the Chief Commissioner) in the circumstances in which a right to review is given to any person by or under the Act.

The Committee structure is made up of a Chairperson and 14 members appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Police for a period of up to three years. Of the persons appointed to the Committee, there are to be five legal members, five Ministerial members and five members from the prescribed shooting organisations (Industry Member).

There is currently one Ministerial Member vacancy. A firearms licensing appeal hearing must be heard by a three-member panel comprising one Legal Member, one Ministerial Member and one Industry Member. The Legal Member presides over the hearing and prepares the written decision with input from the other Members.

Renumeration of Committee Members is based on attendance at both firearms licensing appeal hearings and Committee meetings, which are held quarterly. The Committee is categorised as a Group B, sessional fees body under the Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines (the Guidelines).

General information about the Firearms Appeals Committee can be found here.

Expressions of interest are sought from suitable candidates with:

• A general understanding of the purposes of the Firearms Act 1996 and the powers and functions of the Committee.
• The ability to attend and actively participate in licensing appeal hearings and Committee Meetings held during the year, including preparing for the hearing by being familiar with all documentation provided.
• Understanding that documents must be treated with care as they may contain sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience on another Board or in a quasi-legal environment is desirable but not required

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from adult people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people. You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and we will provide adjustments upon request. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Those wishing to submit an expression of interest should include a resume and covering letter (maximum of two pages in total). Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

All expressions of interest will be considered confidentially.

Applicants with further enquiries please contact Jennifer Crittenden, Secretariat Firearms Appeals Committee, at Jennifer.M.Crittenden@justice.vic.gov.au