The Queensland Police Service's decision to further restrict the use of historical weapons during Anzac Day commemorations has been labelled as "political correctness gone mad" by the opposition.
A weapons licence was issued on April 11 in response to a request from the Queensland Living History Federation, which represents re-enactment groups across the state, however there were numerous new conditions.
Operable semi-automatic rifles with magazines of less than 10 rounds, as well as pump-action shotguns with magazines of less than five rounds, could be used for military re-enactments.
However, either of those weapons that exceeded the magazine limits, as well as machine guns, grenades, canons and rocket launchers, would need to be made inoperable before they could be part of the commemorations.
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Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said the additional restrictions were overprotective and an example of "nanny state madness". He added the exemptions had worked well for the previous five years without any problems and argued they should be granted once again.
On the other hand, Police Minister Mark Ryan said he thought Queenslanders would expect nothing less.
"I support the Queensland Police's decision to ensure there are no operable Category D, H or R weapons held by general members of the public at Anzac Day events in our state," he said.
"Unfortunately we live in a heightened security environment where additional security precautions are taken to ensure the safety of everyone."
Shadow Police Minister Tim Mander argued the restrictions "simply beggars belief".
"The LNP is calling on the Police Minister to sought this issue out and provide some clear advice ahead of Anzac Day so that our veterans and support groups can commemorate our Anzac heroes – as they have done for years," he said.
"These people put their heart and soul and their money behind their annual commemorations for our Anzac heroes because they don't want the memories to fade away."