Across New South Wales there is currently a firearms amnesty underway. This amnesty period spans from 1 July 2018 until 30 September 2018. During this time, most persons can legally dispose of or legally register any unregistered firearm that they may have in their possession. They may also legally dispose of any firearm part, ammunition or prohibited weapon that they have in their possession during this time.
While there is no penalty for registering or surrendering these items, there is also no compensation offered for any items that you do surrender. You do not have to provide any information about yourself, where you found or kept any items if you are simply surrendering them. If you wish to register a firearm you will need to provide your details in order to complete the registration.
When deciding whether to surrender or register any items that may be unlawfully in your possession, it is important to remember that if you do not surrender or register them during the amnesty period if you are found with them in your possession after 30 September you will face criminal charges.
If you decide to either surrender or register any firearm, ammunition or weapon, you will need to attend at either a Police Station or at a Firearms Dealership. If so, it is recommended that you take the following steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved:
- Contact the station or dealership and make an appointment prior to attending with a firearm so that they are aware that you are coming;
- Ensure that any firearm is unloaded;
- Where possible remove the bolt or alternative firing mechanism to ensure that the firearm is safe;
- Store ammunition in a separate bag, box or container if bringing in at the same time.
It is important to note however that if you are one of the following persons the amnesty does not apply to you:
- Currently the subject of a Final Apprehended Violence Order;
- Currently the subject of an Interim or Provisional Apprehended Violence Order;
- Subject to a firearm or weapons prohibition order.
If you are subject to any of the above orders and you attempt to surrender or register an unregistered item as part of the current amnesty you will likely be charged with an offence.
If you have any questions in relation to the Firearms Amnesty you can call the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562.
Alice Cheek | Solicitor