Northern Territory plans changes to paintball rules

The Northern Territory Government is seeking public feedback on amendments that would reduce the minimum age for participation in paintball to 14 years.

Explaining the move, Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles stated “we have listened to the industry and have introduced amendments to the Firearms Act allowing children aged 14 years and over to play paintball, provided they have parental consent.

“Currently only people over 18 are eligible to participate in the sport and local paintball operators have been lobbying for the age limit to be reduced.

“The Government believes the change would expand the range of recreational activities for young Territorians and would make the Territory's three paintball businesses more viable.

“But we are keen to hear feedback from the public about the proposed change before the amendments are debated at the next Parliamentary sittings in October.

“Police have conducted a review of the Firearms Act with regard to the rules governing paintball. This included interviews with local paintball operators who all supported a reduced age limit.

“Other jurisdictions mostly have age limits younger than 18, including Western Australia and South Australia which allow 12 year olds to participate.

“We believe 14 years is more appropriate but we are keen to gauge public support for the idea between now and October.

“Participation in paintball is already heavily regulated for safety and operators would be required to supply age-appropriate safety gear for younger participants.”

The move follows lobbying by the owners of Paintball Katherine for the age limit to be lowerer so that people under the age of 18 could participate in the sport. 

Paintball Katherine owner Gary Hickey believes that the change will bring the Territory in line with other jurisdictions, stating “I’ve had plenty of enquiries from youth groups who are keen to play but until now they haven’t been able to.

“The broadening of the demographic means that I’ll be able to reopen my paintball field that closed after a storm hit it last wet season. This is good news for paintballers and good news for business.”

For more information go to www.nt.gov.au

Image courtesy of Paintball Katherine.

30th June 2010 - PAINTBALL AGE LIMIT REVIEW SPARKS FIERY DEBATE