May 1, 2019
The LNP has called for bipartisan support for stronger gun laws in Queensland.
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said tough laws introduced to Parliament by the LNP on Wednesday would create a new offence to cover drive-by shootings, increase penalties for gun crime, and disrupt the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms.
“The safety of Queenslanders must be the first priority of government,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Sadly, Queensland currently has some of the weakest gun crime laws in Australia.
“Where there should be tough penalties and tight protections, there are weak punishments and glaring holes in Queensland laws.
“The surge in organised criminal gangs and bikie shootouts in broad daylight warrant tougher, practical measures to end gun violence.”
Opposition police spokesman Trevor Watts said a key focus of the Private Members Bill was prohibiting high-risk offenders from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm.
“Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPO) allow police to prohibit high-risk offenders with a history of violence or links with criminal or terrorist organisations from acquiring, possessing or using a gun,” Mr Watts said.
“FPOs have helped mitigate gun crime in South Australia, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. The LNP’s Bill will deliver Queensland police the valuable crime-preventing measure as well.”
The LNP’s proposed offences and penalty increases for gun crime:
| Offence | Description | New or existing offence | Current penalty | Proposed penalty |
| Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPO) | FPOs assist in mitigating gun crime and is targeted at high risk individuals (eg. history of violence). The overriding objective of an FPO is to allow the Police Commissioner to make an FPO to prevent a high-risk person from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm. There are numerous offences within the FPO framework. | New offence framework | n/a | Varies for each offence. The most common FPO offence, “Prohibition on persons acquiring, possessing or using firearms, firearm parts or ammunition” carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment for firearm or firearm part or a seven years imprisonment for ammunition |
| Firing at dwelling houses, buildings or vehicles | This offence is targeted at criminal gangs who are commonly committing drive-by shootings | New offence | n/a | Maximum penalty – 14 years imprisonment
If committed during a public disorder: Maximum penalty – 16 years imprisonment |
| Possession of digital blueprint and device for manufacture of firearms | A person must not possess a digital blueprint and device (eg. 3D printer) for the manufacture of a firearm on a 3D printer or an electronic milling machine
Does not apply to a person authorised by armourer’s licence or acting in the ordinary course of the member’s duties of the QPS. Defences apply if defendant did not know or could reasonably be expected to know they possessed the blueprint; or if came into possession unsolicited etc |
New offence | n/a | Maximum penalty – 14 years imprisonment
|
| Discharging firearm with intent to resist arrest | This offence will help to protect police officers and provide strong penalties for offenders who fire at a police officer to resist arrest |
New offence
Note: Similar offence exists but not as a separate offence or targeted towards firearms |
Maximum penalty – life imprisonment (15 years imprisonment) | Maximum penalty – 25 years imprisonment |
| Use or possession of offensive weapon or instrument to resist arrest | This offence will help to protect police officers and provide strong penalties for offenders who use offensive weapons or instruments towards a police officer to resist arrest |
New offence
Note: Similar offence exists but not as a separate offence or targeted towards firearms |
Maximum penalty – life imprisonment (15 years imprisonment) | Maximum penalty – 15 years imprisonment
If committed in the company of another person: Maximum penalty – 18 years imprisonment |
| Punishment of stealing (firearm or ammunition) | This will crack down on gun theft by strengthening the existing provisions | Existing offence | Maximum penalty – 10 years imprisonment | Maximum penalty – 14 years imprisonment |
| Particular conduct involving a weapon in a public place prohibited | A person must not, without reasonable excuse, carry in a public place a loaded firearm or a weapon capable of being discharged | Existing offence | Maximum penalty – 120 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment | Maximum penalty – 10 years imprisonment |
| Particular conduct involving a weapon in a public place prohibited | A person must not, without reasonable excuse, discharge a weapon in, into, towards, over or through a public place | Existing offence | Maximum penalty – 200 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment | Maximum penalty – 10 years imprisonment |
