I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.

I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks

- Client

Anastasia Qvist is an outstanding lawyer. My criminal law situation (family violence order) was difficult, complex and Ana's diligence saved me as I was going through the most difficult period of my life. Ana is down to earth, commonsense and she even kept our costs to a minimum. She is a skilled litigator and knows the ins and outs of the ACT Magistrates Court. She dealt skillfully with the DPP and is an excellent negotiator. You will get a fair representation and she genuinely cares about her clients. She has my complete recommendation. The lady goes to bat for her clients.

- Client

I would strongly recommend Anastasia to anyone who is seeking legal representation. As a first-time offender who was charged with a Level 2 Drink Driving offence, she walked me through every step of the matter and was very upfront and clear on all aspects of my case. She was always accessible when I needed advice. Her approach and advice were excellent. Under her representation, I received the best possible outcome and managed to avoid a criminal conviction. She was a pleasure to deal with throughout the whole matter.

- Client

Anastasia Qvist was very professional and helpful in every step of my matter. I got a very good outcome and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work and the Armstrong Legal team in Canberra. I would highly recommend her!!!

- Client

Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.

- Client

Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.

- Client

Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.

- Client

"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."

This article was written by Sally Crosswell

Sally Crosswell has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), a Bachelor of Communication and a Master of International and Community Development. She also completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law. A former journalist, Sally has a keen interest in human rights law.

Importation of Non-Firearm Weapons

The importation of weapons into Australia is regulated at the Commonwealth level by the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. Due to the wide range of items that may constitute a weapon, procedures may be modified from time to time by policy decisions of the Attorney-General’s Department and the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management.

Requirements for Lawful Importation

Schedule 13 of the Regulations outlines the authorities and tests required for importation of non-firearm weapons.

Police Certification Test

For weapons subject to this test, importers must complete a Form 709B form and have it signed by the police weapons registry in their state of territory. The form notifies Australian Border Force that the importer either has the appropriate licence or that a licence is not required. This test applies to weapons such as daggers, nunchukas, crossbows, throwing knives, body armour, extendable batons and laser pointers.

Official Purposes Test

This test applies to weapons to be imported for:

supply to a Commonwealth, state or territory government;
supply to a government of a foreign country;
demonstration, inspection, testing, evaluation or training use by a Commonwealth, state or territory government;
donation to a Commonwealth, state or territory governments.

Specified Purposes Test

This test applies to weapons imported for:

licensed film armourers;
supply of large calibre ammunition and components outside Australia;
repairs, modification or testing;
a defence or police-sanctioned activity;
research or development;
manufacture and assembly.

Specified Person Test

This test applies to goods to be imported for use in the importer’s employment, or for display, testing and resale to licensed bodies. It covers items such as body armour, extendable or telescopic batons, laser pointers, and anti-personnel sprays and chemicals.

Dealer Test

This test applies to goods being imported as stock for sale to a Commonwealth, state or territory government, a person with a contract to sell to such a government, or a certified buyer.

Returned Goods Test

This test applies to goods being imported that have previously been imported, or will be exported temporarily from Australia.

Collectors and Non-Government Museum Test

This test requires that items of warfare be deactivated, inert and rendered permanently inoperable.

Historical Items Test

This test applies to maces, flails and body armour provided that:

the item has historical significance as a pre-1900 weapon, meaning it must have been made before 1900;
the item’s value and condition would preclude it from being used as a functional weapon;
the importer is a member of a historical club or association for such items.

Public Interest Test and National Interest Test

An importer can apply to the Minister for Home Affairs under these tests. Import permission may be granted by the Minister if:

the importation is in the public interest or national interest;
the importer holds a licence or authorisation to possess the item (if a licence or authorisation is required);
the item will be secured appropriately in Australia.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

WHERE TO NEXT?

If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.

WHY CHOOSE ARMSTRONG LEGAL?

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