5Principles and objects of Act

5 Principles and objects of Act (1) The underlying principles of this Act are— (a) to confirm firearm possession and use as being a privilege that is conditional on the overriding need to ensure public safety; and (b) to improve public safety— (i) by imposing strict controls on the possession and use of firearms; and (ii) by promoting the safe and responsible storage and use of firearms; and (c) to facilitate a national approach to the control of firearms. (2) The objects of this Act are as follows: (a) to prohibit the possession and use of all automatic firearms, self- loading rifles and shotguns (including pump action shotguns), except in special circumstances; (b) to establish an integrated licensing and registration scheme for all firearms; (c) to require each person who possesses or uses a firearm under the authority of a licence to establish a genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm; (d) to provide strict requirements that must be satisfied in relation to the licensing of firearms and the acquisition and sales of firearms; (e) to ensure that firearms are stored and conveyed in a safe and secure manner; (f) to provide for an amnesty period to enable the surrender of certain prohibited firearms.