Small Businesses Hit by Hasty Laws

During this estimates session, I brought serious concerns from my Queensland constituents regarding disruptions facing the skirmish sports and gel blaster industry. Small businesses and lawful hobbyists are trapped in a web of confusion due to recent amendments to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Act 2026. I highlighted a specific case of a compliant Queensland business owner who has followed every weapon licensing rule, yet had one shipment seized and destroyed by Border Force and another returned to the sender. These people are legitimate business operators, not extremists or terrorists, and they need clarity. I asked the Minister and Australian Border Force (ABF) officials how these new definitions are being applied in practice. Acting Deputy Commissioner Smith has agreed to liaise directly with those affected to hopefully resolve their specific import and permit grievances. ABF officials have also committed to updating and publishing clearer guidance materials online and working closely with industry partners to map out lawful import pathways. Department Secretary Ms. Foster admitted that due to the "hurried" and "pressured" nature of drafting this legislation following the Bondi attack, no formal economic impact assessment was conducted, and no transitional provisions were included for existing businesses. She took on notice my request to investigate potential transitional support regarding stock and employment management. Further, she said that the government’s intent is not to ban gel blasters, but rather to regulate them consistently across states. Under the new framework, importers require both a firearm-style licence for the gel blaster and an import permit. The government confirmed they are establishing a firearms council specifically intended for ongoing consultation with industry, legitimate holders, and affected stakeholders to iron out these regulatory wrinkles. Australian Border Force (ABF): 131 881 within Australia, or (02) 6196 0196 from outside Australia. Transcript: https://www.malcolmrobertsqld.com.au/small-businesses-hit-by-hasty-laws/