Published Tuesday, 19 June, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
QUEENSLAND WEAPONS CRIME DOWN
Mark Vaile’s claim the states are not properly enforcing gun laws are not reflected in Queensland Police Service statistics, Minister for Police Judy Spence said today.
“The illegal use of firearms in Queensland has fallen dramatically, with a 31% decrease in the number of people caught with illegal firearms, since tougher laws were introduced in 2002,” Ms Spence said.
“The 2005-06 Queensland Police Service Annual Statistical Review shows 907 people were caught with illegal firearms, a decrease of 424 from 2002-03.
“In fact the number of all Weapons Act offences dropped by 20% in Queensland in the last five years, from 5198 to 4144.
“Such a significant reduction in Weapons Act offences is remarkable given the Queensland population is estimated to have grown 10% during that period.”
Ms Spence said the Howard Government should try and reduce the number of illegal guns being imported into Australia through the nation’s ports by increasing the number of inspections on shipping containers.
“While Mark Vaile is blaming the states for our policing of weapons laws guns are being smuggled through Australian ports.”
“With only around 7% of shipping containers x-rayed in Australia there is little doubt gun smugglers are bringing illegal weapons into this country right under the Federal Government’s nose.”
Ms Spence said the Commonwealth should focus on improving lack-lustre customs procedures, instead of accusing the states of failing to enforce gun laws.
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
“The illegal use of firearms in Queensland has fallen dramatically, with a 31% decrease in the number of people caught with illegal firearms, since tougher laws were introduced in 2002,” Ms Spence said.
“The 2005-06 Queensland Police Service Annual Statistical Review shows 907 people were caught with illegal firearms, a decrease of 424 from 2002-03.
“In fact the number of all Weapons Act offences dropped by 20% in Queensland in the last five years, from 5198 to 4144.
“Such a significant reduction in Weapons Act offences is remarkable given the Queensland population is estimated to have grown 10% during that period.”
Ms Spence said the Howard Government should try and reduce the number of illegal guns being imported into Australia through the nation’s ports by increasing the number of inspections on shipping containers.
“While Mark Vaile is blaming the states for our policing of weapons laws guns are being smuggled through Australian ports.”
“With only around 7% of shipping containers x-rayed in Australia there is little doubt gun smugglers are bringing illegal weapons into this country right under the Federal Government’s nose.”
Ms Spence said the Commonwealth should focus on improving lack-lustre customs procedures, instead of accusing the states of failing to enforce gun laws.
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218, 0439 673 287