2
Aug
2021

If you have an unregistered or unwanted firearm or prohibited weapon, this is an opportunity to surrender it without any penalty.

The Australian Government has partnered with Crime Stoppers Australia to implement a permanent national firearms amnesty, which will take effect on July 1, 2021, to keep Australians safe while allowing individuals with a legitimate need to acquire firearms to do so.

Many people find themselves in possession of firearms and/or prohibited weapons and then worry about what to do with them. It is also surprising just how many law-abiding people get caught with these items even though they have never even thought about using them.

In New South Wales, the amnesty allows for:

• People who have an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item may surrender it to a police station for registration, sale, or destruction discreetly and without punishment.
• Surrendered firearms will be accepted by licensed firearms dealers. It’s also possible to turn in an unwanted firearm.
• Prohibited weapons may be surrendered without fear of prosecution to a participating firearm dealer or police station.

When surrendering your firearm, make sure it is unloaded and, if possible, remove the bolt or use another way to render the firearm safe before delivering it to a licenced firearm dealer or a police station. Wrap the firearm in a blanket or in a gun bag. Ammunition can be carried alongside a firearm, but it must be kept in a separate bag, box, or container.

MAKE SURE YOU PHONE AHEAD AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT – DON’T JUST WALK INTO A POLICE STATION CARRYING A FIREARM.

National Firearms Amnesty (NSW) and COVID-19

Members of the firearms industry have inquired as to whether surrendering a firearm under the National Firearms Amnesty is a valid reason to leave the house under the current stay-at-home public health regulations (Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021.)

Surrendering a firearm may be considered to be completing a legal responsibility, which is a reasonable excuse to leave the house, particularly if it is deemed a risk to the public not to surrender the firearm immediately.

Should you require any further information in relation to your firearm, please call our office on (02) 9653 9466 to speak with our Warwick Anderson.