A MOUNT Gambier gel blaster supplier has suggested mandatory coloured tips as one potential method to address concerns over the sale of the toy guns as South Australia explores regulation over the hobby products.
While legal to buy and own in South Australia, the toy guns – which often resemble real weapons – have been used increasingly in criminal incidents across the state, with an import freeze on gel blasters currently active.
It follows South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens declaring gel blasters met the definition of a firearm following a ballistics assessment, with SAPOL to use its findings to help inform Police Minister Corey Wingard on future regulatory measures.
The major shake up to the industry comes just days after more than 60 competitors took to a 200-hectare property at Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park for the Winter Wargames, a skirmish event using gel blasters.
Similar in design to airsoft guns, gel blasters use super-absorbent water beads as a projectile.
Comm Steven said police continued to work through the report process into its assessment of gel blasters, which would be provided to Mr Wingard.
He said there were many circumstances where gel blasters had been used to threaten and intimidate people because of the “lifelike” appearance.
“We are taking this very seriously,” Comm Stevens said.
“We have been looking at gel blasters for some time and updating our assessment as the product changes and becomes more sophisticated, but the use of gel blasters in the community is also a significant concern to us and the recent injuries and threats to people highlights that.”
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Atchi’s Gel Blaster owner Matt Atchison remained frustrated by the impact the import freeze has had on his Mount Gambier business.
He said although he had still been able to source supplies, it had proven more difficult as a result of the ban.
The avid gel blaster hobbyist said the future of the industry and recreational sport was now unknown, alongside a number of businesses across the state.
“The future of gel blasting events and stores depends on how the government approaches it,” he said.
“If they allow us to go as business as usual under a hobby licence it will not affect us, however if they go down the path of a gun licence it may put a stop to the gel blaster community completely.”
Mr Atchison urged the government to explore other avenues rather than outlawing gel blasters, which are currently only legal in South Australia and Queensland.
“We do not see gel blasters as the issue here as they are similar to Nerf Guns when it comes to the mechanisms, they are just not using compressed air, it is just a spring and battery,” he said.
“You can be shot with them and it will sting but there will be no damage unless you are being irresponsible.
“There are other solutions out there such as mandatory coloured tips on the end of the guns so people know they are not real guns, because the chance of someone having a real AK47 here in Australia with our gun laws is pretty slim.”
Mr Wingard said the government had monitored the gel blasters issue closely and had regularly requested information from police and Comm Stevens.
“In light of recent incidents involving gel blasters, the police’s advice had recently changed and we are now working out the best and fairest way to achieve a regulatory position that works for everyone,” Mr Wingard said.
“SAPOL will be putting to us their recommended regulatory changes soon for review.
“I have also asked for the issue of gel blasters to be placed on the agenda of the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Services Management meeting scheduled in November.”
