Scott Harris, former Tamworth local, makes gun licence appeal to become safari guide to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Former Tamworth local Scott Harris appealed the decision of the NSW Commissioner of Police who refused his application for a Category AB firearms licence because it wasn't in the public interest, in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

More than a decade ago, Mr Harris was found guilty of drug supply and a prohibited weapon charge in Tamworth District Court.

An extensive history of traffic infringements that date back to 2003 were also highlighted in the Commissioner's case against Mr Harris, from a crash with a pregnant passenger in the other car, mobile phone use while driving and making an unlawful U-turn while towing a boat.

His gun licence was revoked in 2008, and licences cannot be reissued for another 10 years after a criminal conviction.

A job offer as a safari guide in the NT and possible work as a professional kangaroo harvester pushed Mr Harris to appeal the decision to revoke his licence.

Lawyers for Mr Harris told the court he had enrolled in a wild game harvesting TAFE course to better educate himself about firearm safety and pursue work as a professional kangaroo harvester.

If Mr Harris plans to become a professional kangaroo harvester or safari guide, he will have to vary his recreational hunting and vermin control licence, the court heard.

His case was that he wouldn't be a danger to public safety if he was allowed to hold a firearms licence.

The court heard he had been around guns since the age of five when his grandfather would take him out hunting and working on the farm.

He was also employed by five different professional kangaroo harvesters in a variety of roles in the last 20 years.

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NCAT Senior Member Stephen Montgomery said the licensing regime is not about punishment, but rather about protecting the public.

"Persons who have access to firearms must act responsibly," he said in his judgement.

"The principle issue in this matter is whether or not there is a risk to the safety of the public, including the applicant, if the applicant is permitted to possess firearms."

Mr Montgomery said that because Mr Harris had not repeated the criminal offences he was convicted of previously, he had shown he was capable of learning from his behaviour.

"His evidence is that he moved away from the Tamworth area and essentially started a new life," he said.

"In my view, this has significantly reduced the risk that the offending conduct would be repeated in the future."

The application for a licence was granted.

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