National Firearms Amnesty
The ACT is participating in the National Firearms Amnesty to improve safety in our community.
The National Firearms Amnesty was launched by Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP and Crime Stoppers Australia Chair, Diana Forrester, on 1 July 2021.
Acting Chief Police Officer Liz McDonald is urging anyone who may have an unwanted or illegal firearm to surrender it during the amnesty period.
“Anyone that hands in a firearm or firearm-related items to ACT Policing during the amnesty will not be prosecuted or fined,” acting CPO McDonald said.
“ACT Policing is committed to ensuring Canberra remains a safe city and this amnesty assists in removing unregistered and unwanted firearms from our streets.”
ACT Region Crime Stoppers Chair Diana Forrester helped to launch the National Firearms Amnesty campaign today in Canberra.
“In the weeks and months ahead Canberrans can expect to see and hear a lot more about the firearm amnesty through a significant and sustained presence across social and traditional media platforms and community engagement activity,” ACT Region Crime Stoppers Chair Diana Forrester.
“We are proud to partner with ACT Policing and the Federal Government to draw attention to this important safety initiative.
“All of us have seen the harm caused by the unlawful use of a firearm. Not just to the victim, their friends and family, but also the impact on the community confidence that often follows, which is why we all have a part to play in making our community safer – that’s our aim.”
During the three-month amnesty in 2017, 699 firearms and 60 parts and accessories were surrendered in the ACT.
Acting Chief Police Officer McDonald said firearms related violence is one of the most significant issues we face as a community.
“One illegal firearm in our community is one too many,” acting CPO McDonald said.
“Firearms are used in our most violent crimes including murder, shootings causing serious injuries, armed robbery, threats to kill and extortion.”
Since July last year, ACT Policing has had surrendered and seized more than 760 firearms. On a number of occasions multiple firearms were seized during the same incident.
ACT Policing is also urging anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.
People wanting to surrender their firearms or firearm-related items, can do so at the ACT Firearms Registry at the Exhibition Management Centre, 86 Vicars Street, Mitchell during business hours.
For more information about the National Firearms Amnesty visit https://crimestoppers.com.au
Note to editors: B-roll footage as available at https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/HZZRvVNqZ5
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au