The State’s 50-year-old gun laws are undergoing reform in an effort to bolster public safety.
From 1 July, firearms and ammunition designed to shoot over long ranges with extraordinary power and precision will be outlawed.
Premier, Mark McGowan said WA Police had informed him that there was no practical need for these specific very high-powered firearms in the State.
“While they remain in our community, these weapons are vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands, and the consequences could be devastating,” Mr McGowan said.
Under the ban, 56 types of firearms and 19 calibres of ammunition will become illegal. That means a total of 248 licensed firearms, which are currently legal, must be disposed of by the 1 July deadline.
A buy-back of the specified firearms will take place at market value. The funds will be paid to a nominated bank account within eight weeks of the firearm’s official surrender at the nearest police station.
Acting Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said some projectiles from these firearms were capable of penetrating the body armour worn by police officers, as well as most hard surfaces of police vehicles from up to two kilometres away.
“With specific types of rounds, a bullet from these firearms can also penetrate WA Police Force armoured vehicles,” A/Commissioner Whiteley said.
“Police will monitor the disposal of the identified firearms and, where required, any reports of lost or stolen firearms will be the subject of a full investigation,” she said.
