NSW: Gun amnesty and buyback extended

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2004
NSW: Gun amnesty and buyback extended

SYDNEY, April 1 AAP - A gun amnesty and buyback was today extended in NSW by three
months to ensure all licensed shooters whose firearms were banned are compensated.

Police Minister John Watkins said the National Handgun Buyback would be extended in
NSW until June 30, along with an amnesty so people can surrender their firearms and avoid
hefty penalties.

Under the amnesty which began on October 1, 5,520 weapons have been surrendered including
3,960 rifles, 1,042 shotguns and 477 handguns.

The guns were disabled and destroyed in bulk incinerations.

"Police will keep collecting, disabling and destroying weapons at secret locations
to ensure they never end up in the hands of criminals," Mr Watkins said in a statement.

Possession of an illegal weapon carries a maximum 14 year jail penalty.

Specialist buyback vans will continue to travel the state for another three months
until the buyback extension ends.

"The three month extension will ensure all licensed shooters are visited and compensated
for guns banned by the Council of Australian Governments agreement," Mr Watkins said.

AAP sal/cmc

KEYWORD: GUNS

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