Police Minister Jack Dempsey has warned all Queenslanders the deadline to hand in or register any unregistered firearms is rapidly approaching.  Mr Dempsey said those wishing to take advantage of the amnesty had little more than one week before the reprieve expired on 30 April.

“Queenslanders have responded outstandingly with more than 5340 firearms registered and more than 1670 surrendered completed,” Mr Dempsey said.
“The response to the amnesty so far has been extremely encouraging, but I would like to remind all Queenslanders not much time is left before the amnesty comes to an end.

“The amnesty gives people wishing to comply with the law the chance to register or surrender any unregistered firearms they may have in their possession.

“The Newman Government will not tolerate those who use firearms to carry out crimes, which is why tough mandatory minimum sentences for illegal use of firearms offences were introduced earlier this year.”

Mr Dempsey said those provisions included:
1. An offender convicted of trafficking illegal firearms serving a mandatory minimum term of five years in custody
2. An offender convicted of supplying illegal firearms serving a mandatory minimum term of three years in custody
3. An offender convicted of possessing an illegal firearm that is used in the commission of an indictable offence serving a mandatory minimum term of 18 months in custody
4. An offender who unlawfully possesses an illegal firearm for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of an indictable offence serving a mandatory minimum term of one year in custody
5. An offender convicted of possessing an illegal firearm in a public place serving a mandatory minimum term of one year in custody

Queensland Police Service Weapons Amnesty Liaison Officer Inspector Steve Kersley said until 30 April, appropriately licensed members of the public could still register previously unregistered firearms through firearms dealers, armourers, firearms sporting clubs as well as police stations.

“I’m very pleased at the success of the amnesty to date because it has allowed people who are in possession of an unregistered firearm to make it legitimate without being penalised,” Insp Kersley said.

“During this time unlicensed owners can apply for a licence and anyone can surrender their unregistered firearm to be destroyed or sold to a firearms dealer.

“Unregistered firearms can be surrendered during the amnesty to local firearms dealers or police stations without prosecution for the possession. Personal details or reasons for the possession may not be required.

“Police stations in regional areas will have access to a mobile destruction van to dispose of surrendered weapons. These vans are located at Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Townsville.”

A Firearms Amnesty Information Line was established to assist with amnesty inquiries (1300 833 548).  The number is operational until April 30, 2013, Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.

For more information, call the Firearms Amnesty Information Line on 1300 833 548 or email: firearmsamnesty@police.qld.gov.au