NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall welcomed the passage through State Parliament of new laws that deal a blow to the criminal element in NSW trading in illegal firearms.
The Firearms and Weapons Prohibition Legislation Amendment Act 2015 was passed by the NSW Parliament last night and deliver on a commitment made by the government to crack down on those who endanger the community.
Mr Marshall said the tougher penalties included substantial prison terms for those found guilty, but pleasingly would not impact on farmers and professional and recreational shooters in country areas who were doing the right thing.
“I welcome these new laws and emphasise that the tougher penalties will directly target the illegal firearm trade, not law-abiding and licenced owners of firearms in the bush,” Mr Marshall said.
“It is quite clear that it is the illegal gun market that presents the greatest danger to the community.
“That is why the government has introduced 14-year penalties for a range of illegal firearm offences, including a new offence of possessing a stolen firearm.
“I am confident that these new laws will go a long way to making business very difficult for illegal gun owners, traders and thieves.’’
The new laws:
- Create a new offence for the possession of a stolen firearm, which will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment;
- Increase the maximum penalty for defacing or altering any identifying mark on any firearm or firearm part, or for possessing a defaced or altered firearm or firearm part, from five years to 14 years’ imprisonment;
- Apply consistent maximum penalties of 14 years’ imprisonment to a range of other offences relating to unauthorised possession, use, supply, or acquisition of firearms where the firearm involved is a pistol, a prohibited firearm, or is defaced, unregistered or stolen; and
- Include a ban on the possession of digital blueprints that enable firearms to be manufactured using 3D printers and milling machines for anyone without an appropriate licence.