Links To Helpful Sites

Here are a few links to some helpful sites.  On many of the news sites you can read comment sections and get an idea of the diversity of opinions of the area.  It is probably a lot like it is in the US though.  For example, as anyone who frequents CNN.com knows, most of the comment posters are trolls, lunatics, and lifetime subscribers to the aluminum hat club.  I'm sure it's probably similar there.

http://www.perthnow.com
http://abc.net.au
http://news.com.au
http://www.watoday.com.au
http://www.theaustralian.com.au  (subscription)
http://www.perthtalk.com.au   (chat room, almost impossible without a local IP)

streaming radio
http://www.mix.com.au

some video, like msn video or youtube
http://video.au.msn.com


As I find more I like I'll be adding them as time goes on.

Exchange Rate Update

The exchange rate has changed.  The dollar has either rallied a little, the Australian dollar has weakened, or both.  The current rate is:

1 AUD = 1.03 USD
1 USD = .97 AUD

That makes it a little easier on us and a little worse on the Aussies, for now.  We still will only transfer what we need, as there is a large fee for transferring.

Importation of Firearms and Weapons

My arsenal:

I emailed the West Australia police and asked what special steps I needed to take to legally import a few items of mine that are "controlled," as defined by the Weapons Regulation Act of 1999.  They instructed me to fill out a B709 Permit application so that the items will be released to me by customs.  Seems that swords and knives over a certain length are lumped in with the firearms permit.  The response letter I got to my inquiry was as follows:

Swords are controlled weapons under the Weapons Regulations 1999 in WA and as long as you possess them for a lawful use (ie collection etc) you can retain possession.  To import you will require a B709 Permit if the blade exceeds 300mm (Approx 12 inches) To import an axe you will be required to submit the B709 Permit application.  Axes are also controlled weapons and the same applies with their possession.


In relation to all items it would not be acceptable to be walking around in the streets or driving around in your car with controlled weapon with the likelihood of causing fear to the public.

Regards


You can find the Weapons Regulations Act of 1999 here, and the B709 Permit here.