Why police blocked Kyle Sandilands’ gun licence application
<p>Radio shock jock Kyle Sandliands is taking the NSW Police to court after they rejected his application for a gun license. </p>
<p>After submitting the application over a year ago, the 50-year-old presenter was told by police in September that he wouldn't be getting a. gun. </p>
<p>He is seeking a review of the decision, and has launched proceedings before <span>the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) against NSW Police and their decision. </span></p>
<p><span>According to a source close to the radio star, the initial application was rejected for a number of reasons, including some comments he made </span>previously on air about gun usage, as well as the criminal background of some of his associates. </p>
<p>Some of Kyle's closest friends include convicted drug trafficker Simon Main, and nightclub boss John Ibrahim, who is subject to a firearms prohibition order. </p>
<p>In a statement from the NSW Police, a spokesperson said, "personal history checks" are a part of the process for all gun license applications. </p>
<p>“The NSW Firearms Registry fully reviews all new licence applications to ensure they satisfy their licensing requirement,” a police spokesman said.</p>
<p>“This includes conducting personal history checks to ensure all provisions within the legislation – including provisions with respect to public safety – are met.</p>
<p>“When a Notice of Refusal is issued by the Firearms Registry, it includes the reason for refusal and details all appeal rights.”</p>
<p>Kyle has long expressed his interest in firearms, as he is regularly seen attending pistol clubs when in the US.</p>
<p>In a <em>60 Minutes</em> interview with Karl Stefanovic last year, they filmed part of their chat at the Los Angeles Gun Club. </p>
<p><span>“It just gets the adrenaline out, plus I am really good at it,” he said when asked what he liked about shooting. “I just imagine all of the people I hate.”</span></p>
<p><span>Kyle has also made bold statements about lifting the ban on rapid-fire shotguns on air back in 2016. </span></p>
<p><span>“Is it better off that all the criminals have all the weapons and the rest of us are defenceless?” he said, just a few months after a massacre in Orlando, US, that led to the deaths of 49 people.</span></p>
<p><span>A directions hearing for Sandilands’ proceedings is set before NCAT’s Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division for December 21.</span></p>
<p><em>Image credits: 60 Minutes / Instagram @kylesandilands</em></p>