Ofner, Johann

Contributing factors

• Illegal supply of operable firearm by armourer
• Use of home-made ammunition containing plastic wads that acted as projectiles
• Failure to appoint a site safety officer
• Inadequate firearm safety briefings
• Failure to test-fire the shotgun
• Unsafe aiming technique (firing from the hip)
• Failure to consider safer production alternatives such as CGI enhancement
• Communication gaps between director, stunt coordinator, and armourer
• Compartmentalization of safety responsibilities without coordination

Coroner's recommendations

1. That the Queensland Government review the relevant provisions of the Weapons Act (Qld) and Weapons Act Regulations (Qld) to: (i) Define 'blank-fire' munitions and their practical use in theatrical productions; (ii) Establish a section within Queensland Police Service to review the role of theatrical armourers, define their lawful rights and obligations, serious penalties for offences, and introduce standards for qualification including training and testing for Theatrical Ordinance Supplier, Firearms Dealer and Armourers Licences; (iii) Make absolutely clear that operable firearms and non-blank firing weapons cannot be used in theatrical performances
2. That the Office of Industrial Relations create a Code of Practice for armourers and the use of firearms in the film industry, modelled on Chapter E, Section 1 of The National Guidelines for Screen Safety, in consultation with industry stakeholders
3. That the Minister for Police liaise with interstate counterparts to ensure a consistent Australia-wide legislative code for theatrical armourers outlawing the use of operable firearms and non-blank firing weapons in theatrical performances

Further listening

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