Newman Government tough on firearms
Published Wednesday, 28 November, 2012 at 06:51 AM
Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey
The Newman Government is getting tough on illegal firearm use after strong penalties were passed through parliament last night.
Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the Weapons and Other Legislation Amendment Bill made it clear those illegally using firearms would feel the full force of the law.
“For too long illegal firearms users have not feared the weak repercussions for illegal weapon use which were allowed to continue untouched under the former Labor Government,” Mr Dempsey said.
“The days of a ‘slap on the wrist’ approach to illegal firearms usage are over with the introduction of tough minimum mandatory sentencing.
“These changes protect innocent Queenslanders and send a clear message that trafficking, supply, unlawful possession and use of illegal firearms will not be tolerated.
Mr Dempsey said the changes include:
“Amnesty periods in Queensland have previously been quite successful with a number of weapons surrendered,” he said.
“The amnesty period will allow those who are trying to comply with the law the opportunity to do so without the fear of being charged.”
The tough penalties and amnesty period come into effect on 1 February 2013.
[ENDS] 27 November 2012
Media Contacts: Danny Donald 0439 719 116 or Lea Emery 0417 226 114
Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the Weapons and Other Legislation Amendment Bill made it clear those illegally using firearms would feel the full force of the law.
“For too long illegal firearms users have not feared the weak repercussions for illegal weapon use which were allowed to continue untouched under the former Labor Government,” Mr Dempsey said.
“The days of a ‘slap on the wrist’ approach to illegal firearms usage are over with the introduction of tough minimum mandatory sentencing.
“These changes protect innocent Queenslanders and send a clear message that trafficking, supply, unlawful possession and use of illegal firearms will not be tolerated.
Mr Dempsey said the changes 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.
“Amnesty periods in Queensland have previously been quite successful with a number of weapons surrendered,” he said.
“The amnesty period will allow those who are trying to comply with the law the opportunity to do so without the fear of being charged.”
The tough penalties and amnesty period come into effect on 1 February 2013.
[ENDS] 27 November 2012
Media Contacts: Danny Donald 0439 719 116 or Lea Emery 0417 226 114