Handgun buyback widens: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 22 Sep 2003: 6.
Abstract
The scheme began on July 1 and there has been a staggered start from the states. Latest available figures show that 2702 firearms have been bought back in Queensland, 2094 in Victoria, 569 in WA, 441 in Tasmania, 356 in the NT and 354 in the ACT.
THE last two states to join the federal Government's National Handgun Buyback Scheme, NSW and South Australia, will come on board at the beginning of October.
NSW Police Minister John Watkins announced yesterday the amnesty in NSW would run from October 1 until March 31.
The scheme began on July 1 and there has been a staggered start from the states. Latest available figures show that 2702 firearms have been bought back in Queensland, 2094 in Victoria, 569 in WA, 441 in Tasmania, 356 in the NT and 354 in the ACT.
Mr Watkins said the two previous gun amnesties and the gun buyback scheme had led to the surrender of 207,215 firearms.
"This amnesty means no questions asked," he said. "It's a final warning to those with illegal weapons -- hand them to police now."
Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison said the federal Government was happy with the progress of the scheme and was working with the Sporting Shooters Advisory Council to make sure it ran smoothly.
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