"FIREARMS ACT 1996 - SECT 6B
Exemption for unlicensed persons shooting on approved ranges and for persons undertaking firearms safety training courses
6B Exemption for unlicensed persons shooting on approved ranges and for persons undertaking firearms safety training courses
(1) A person is exempt from any requirement under this Act to be authorised by a licence or permit to possess or use a firearm (other than a prohibited firearm) if the person possesses or uses the firearm only:
(a) at a shooting range approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations and while under the supervision of a person who is authorised by a licence to possess or use a firearm of that kind, or
(b) while participating in a firearms safety training course approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations and while under the supervision of a firearms instructor approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations.
(1A) The level of supervision that is required for the purposes of this section is direct supervision so that the person supervising supervises one person only.
(2) Any such exemption from the requirement to be authorised by a licence or permit to possess or use a firearm is subject to the requirements prescribed by the regulations.
(3) This section does not apply in relation to a person who is under the age of 12 years."
Taken from the NSW Act.

Note the words "(other than a prohibited firearm)" in (1) above.

Seems that he broke the law and there is speculation that the range used did not comply with range safety requirements as laid down by the NSW Government via the firearms Registry.

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/18/nsw-police-armed-with-military-style-machine-guns-for-new-years-eve

NSW police carry military style weapons in their arsenal.

The " lesser" question is; why is it necessary for a minister to fire one? That is not a serious matter enough for wasting the time of parliament in discussion...obviously.

Dan

Issy, you seem to be a bit hot on this one. Are you a friend of David Shoebridge? BTW personality DS is a very nice chap, down to earth, easy to converse with, none of the snobbery you find with some politicians. But as it should be, he will take on the fight when required.

Paul,

I'm interested in this one as the Minister is not noted for any 'give and take' with shooters, he is insistent that the letter of the law be observed even when it leads to silly situations that could be fixed with a bit of common sense.

On the range when letting people try out pistol shooting, for instance, we have to comply with the law, make sure that all the relevant paperwork is completed to Firearm Registry's satisfaction, provide one on one supervision by qualified instructors, make sure that the range is in safe mode etc., etc.
and no prohibited weapons are allowed.

We comply with the law, so should the Minister; one could even argue that he should set an example.

one could even argue that he should set an example
Is Mise,
Totally agree ! Decent people are not given any Latitude !

I understand that he is a retired army officer.
Could he be a reservist and would that make a difference ?