Gun-Formers (imitation weapons) laws and requirements for Australia

[hYpNoS]

General question, what if...by chance a retail shop was selling a megatron?

I remember a tiny obscure anime shop (won't say where incase they do it again since I like these guys, but I do know they moved since) having an mp05 in robot mode on display, I thought it was beautiful at the time, I wonder what I was on at the time to think that.

Having bought things online, I think it's unlikely the customs officer would open the parcel.

I've bought so much stuff online and only once in all my years did customs ever do a random check, and it was for 2 gundam model kits.

And those guys weren't gentle as the model kit boxes inside were banged up with box cutter marks all over them, with xray scanning I didn't understand why they did what they did?

[DarkHyren]

General question, what if...by chance a retail shop was selling a megatron?

I think that, depending on state/territory, they are technically supposed to ask for proof that you're allowed to own it, but in most cases it's generally a "don't ask don't tell" situation, so if they don't ask or take details...

[bakakun]

General question, what if...by chance a retail shop was selling a megatron?

I remember a tiny obscure anime shop (won't say where incase they do it again since I like these guys, but I do know they moved since) having an mp05 in robot mode on display, I thought it was beautiful at the time, I wonder what I was on at the time to think that.

I think I remember seeing MP05 once in a store for $500.

Now, compared to the continued fees needed to legally own a Megatron Transformer, that might seem like good value, but you have to remember that if you get caught with one without the legal approval you'll be in a lot of trouble.

Personally I'm going to try to own it legally.

Hopefully Griffin will be able to find new information of how to be exempted from the fees in Victoria and other states. Or at least the an exemption or reduced amount for the renewal fees every 3 years.

I've personally emailed the licensing regulation regarding the fees numerous times, but their responses so far have been very generic. The most helpful they've been was in clarifying that there are no additional storage requirements other the the imitation firearms section I quoted earlier

[hYpNoS]

I think I remember seeing MP05 once in a store for $500.

Now, compared to the continued fees needed to legally own a Megatron Transformer, that might seem like good value, but you have to remember that if you get caught with one without the legal approval you'll be in a lot of trouble.

I think that may of been the one I saw, sure looked it back in the day, as for the legal wrangling of megatron last I checked trying to import one without the permit only carries the risk of him being seized and destroyed with nothing to actually happen to you, main legal hassle is if you're the one selling.

Could also be an issue if for some reason the police need to do a search on your property, I'm not sure if its back earlier in this thread or elsewhere but most officers *may not* recognize said megatron, unless he's sitting around in gun mode of course.

Truthfully I want to own him legally but judging from your own hurdles I'm not sure what else griffin could do, I'd be happy to fill out a form and a proper cabinet, but every 3 years just to keep him, why can't they just say...I don't know keep a register on people, pay once, go on it, it really does sound like money gouging to me personally (that and my main hurdle is still getting a reference to just sign me off on this )

I'm starting to think I might need to let him go.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I think I remember seeing MP05 once in a store for $500.

I am fairly certain I saw a hobby shop in Sydney (the one in Market City that has finally closed in the past 3 months) having it on display for a highly inflated price. I should have checked with them if they had a permit.

[danny-boy]

Question for Griffin/Goktimus Prime;

I haven't received any response from the Megatron Club. Can I just go ahead and fill out the NSW paperwork without joining the club?

[Tiby]

Question for Griffin/Goktimus Prime;

I haven't received any response from the Megatron Club. Can I just go ahead and fill out the NSW paperwork without joining the club?

Apologies danny-boy. Can you let me know when you sent the email and I'll look into it and get back to you. I've had a crazy couple of weeks.

[danny-boy]

Apologies danny-boy. Can you let me know when you sent the email and I'll look into it and get back to you. I've had a crazy couple of weeks.

Hey Tiby, I sent an email with the application form and details of payment on the 25/10. Thanks for your help I appreciate all the work you've done to get this club running and help us all own a Megatron legally.

[bakakun]

Latest response from licensing regulation

As you are aware persons covered under a Governor in Council Exemption are not required to obtain a weapons approval.

These are organisations who would have put in an application with the Department of Justice and Regulation (DJR) to have their organisation included in the order as well as classes of persons. The decision to exempt these groups is made and regulated by the DJR, any enquiries about orders are to be directed to them.

So basically a toy organisation needs to put forward an application with the Department of Justice and Regulation (DJR)?

Would the Megatron Club be able to do this, or is this only something an organisation within Victoria can do? I'd imagine members of such an organisation would have to meet up regularly, but the Megatron club is based in NSW.

[Borgeman]

I am fairly certain I saw a hobby shop in Sydney (the one in Market City that has finally closed in the past 3 months) having it on display for a highly inflated price. I should have checked with them if they had a permit.

I think people need a dash of realism - none of these little anime themed hobby stores will have a permit. They wouldn't even know its needed. And why would they - if you weren't a TF collector and knew about this import restriction you'd also be none the wiser as well.