June 16, 2017
The Federal Government’s National Firearms Amnesty will begin on July 1, giving residents an opportunity to hand in unregistered and unwanted firearms.
This is the first national gun amnesty since 1996, although Queensland conducted a State amnesty in 2013.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan said that from July 1 to September 30, anyone with unwanted and unregistered firearms or firearm-related items can legally dispose of or register them at approved drop-off points in each State and Territory.
“This is as much about giving a family a chance to get rid of an old heirloom as it is about getting rid of guns off our streets,” Minister Keenan said.
“Sadly, as recent events have shown us, just one gun in the wrong hands can be deadly.
“I encourage Australians to take this opportunity to help remove unregistered firearms from the community.”
There is no cost involved with handing in firearms or related items for destruction.
Outside of the amnesty period, anyone caught with an unregistered firearm could face a fine of up to $280,000, up to 14 years in jail, and a criminal record.
Information about individual State and Territory requirements, including how and where to surrender firearms, can be found on the National Firearms Amnesty website or by calling 1800-909-826.
- External link: List Of Queensland Drop-Off Points
