BLIGH TAKES TOUGHER STANCE ON WEAPONS

Despite already having the toughest weapons laws in the country, Queensland’s weapons’ laws will soon get tougher under the Bligh Government.

Following an extensive review of the Weapons Act 1990, Premier Anna Bligh announced today her Government would undertake the most comprehensive overhaul of the laws since they were introduced almost 20 years ago.

“As Premier, I am committed to ensuring Queensland’s laws continue to reflect community expectations and the community have made it very clear they want us to get tougher on the threatening use of weapons,” Ms Bligh said.

“Following a 12 month review, Cabinet today endorsed a raft of changes to the Act including:
• Doubling of the penalties for misuse of weapons offences to up to $15,000 (table attached);
• Tougher knife laws, including an expanded definition of bladed weapons to include daggers (such fantasy knives) – in line with national standards; and
• Regulating the use of laser pointers.

“The dangerous and threatening use of weapons – including knives and firearms - will not be tolerated and under the changes, this behaviour will face much tougher consequences.

“We are also strengthening the definition of bladed weapons to meet national standards . Changes mean individuals will now require a licence and reasonable explanation for possession of a dagger in a public place.

“The new laws will make it easier for police to get dangerous weapons off our streets and continue our commitment to meeting national benchmarks on weapons legislation.

“This is about bringing the current Weapons Act into the 21st century and ensuring Police have the legal framework they need to keep Queensland communities safe,” she said.

Police Minister Judy Spence said the regulation of laser pointers addressed a genuine concern in the community about their use to distract pilots.

“Laser pointers will become a restricted item, whereby only legitimate use will be permitted,” Ms Spence said.

“This will include astronomical clubs, teachers and lecturers, who use these tools in their line of work.

"We are also tightening the regulation of rifles designed to use high capacity magazines, so that the overall firepower of weapons on the market will be reduced.

Ms Spence said the Review Committee, chaired by Member for Redlands John English and Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male, had consulted widely to ensure changes to the legislation reflected community expectations.

“I received more than 180 submissions to my office from members of the public as well as the Youth Violence Task Force – which made it clear that the community wants tougher penalties for weapons offences.

“These amendments follow the 2003 introduction of strict new handgun legislation to meet national standards and will help us keep ahead of criminal activities.

“One of the consequences of our tight firearms restrictions is that other items, such as knives, are being used as weapons to commit crimes.

In 2006/07, knives were used in:
• 48% of all homicides
• 26% of all assaults
• 55% of all sexual offences
• 52% of all robberies
• 34% of all person offences

“The community also continues to express concern about the use of knives by young people. These changes aim to send a strong message to youth that if they are caught brandishing a knife in public and have no reasonable explanation they too will face the consequences.”

Ms Spence said the extensive community and stakeholder consultation ensured the legitimate weapons industry would not be disadvantaged.

“By ensuring our legislation enforces responsible and safe use of firearms and other weapons by groups such as sporting shooters, we are helping the industry to establish strong codes of practice which will ensure the future of the sport in Queensland,” she said.

The Bill is expected to be introduced early next year.

Monday, 28 July 2008

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3239 6172 (Minister Spence’s office)

http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au