Permanent gun amnesty established

A NEW national firearms amnesty has been launched allowing for anyone in possession an unregistered firearm to surrender it to police.

National Party Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the amnesty, a partnership between the Federal Government and Crime Stopper Australia, will ensure greater firearm safety nationwide.

“There may be a number of people within our community who have an unregistered or unwanted firearm lying around their house, now is the time to hand it in to local police without penalty,” she said.

“The safety of those in our community comes first and we have all heard what can happen if firearms get into the wrong hands.”

From 1 July Australians have been able to turn in any unregistered firearms to police stations without penalty, for registration, sale, or destruction.

Outside of the amnesty, people found in possession of an unregistered firearm face criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

Chair of Crime Stoppers Australia Diana Forrester said a National Illicit Firearms Campaign, which launched alongside the amnesty, is encouraging people to do the right thing.

“Sadly, it is the minority who use firearms to threaten and injure others, and it is important to limit the opportunity for these criminals to access and use firearms,” she said.