March 22, 2013
Police Minister Jack Dempsey is urging Queenslanders who have any illegal firearms to take advantage of the three-month gun amnesty currently in place.
Mr Dempsey said the amnesty, which ends on April 30, had collected more than 3500 firearms despite only having just passed the halfway mark.
“The current response to the amnesty has been pleasing but we want to ensure those trying to comply with the law take advantage of the reprieve,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Time is running out for those who may, for one reason or another, have an illegal firearm to surrender or register their weapon.
“Of the weapons handed in, almost 700 have been surrendered for destruction, with the remaining firearms registered.”
Mr Dempsey said the amnesty started on February 1 in conjunction with tough new firearms laws.
“The new laws send a clear message that trafficking, supply, unlawful possession and use of illegal firearms is not tolerated in Queensland,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Queenslanders can be assured that those caught using firearms illegally will feel the full force of the law.”
The new firearms laws will include:
- An offender convicted of trafficking illegal firearms will serve a mandatory minimum term of five years in custody
- An offender convicted of supplying illegal firearms will serve a mandatory minimum term of three years in custody
- An offender convicted of possessing an illegal firearm that is used in the commission of an indictable offence will serve a mandatory minimum term of 18 months in custody
- An offender who unlawfully possesses an illegal firearm for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of an indictable offence will serve a mandatory minimum term of one year in custody
- An offender convicted of possessing an illegal firearm in a public place will serve a mandatory minimum term of one year in custody.
Queensland Police Firearms and Weapons Amnesty Project Manager Inspector Peter Assfalg said of those weapons handed in 46 were being held for safe keeping while licences were being processed.
“We are averaging about 65 firearms a day, which is consistent with the 2004 Firearms Amnesty,” Inspector Assfalg said.
A Firearm Amnesty Information Line has been established to assist with amnesty inquiries at 1300-833-548.
The number is operational Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm until April 30.
