House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-12-01 Daily Xml

Contents

Firearms Amnesty

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:23): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: During the lunchbreak, the state government, together with the South Australia Police and the Sporting Shooters Association of South Australia, announced the commencement of a firearms amnesty. From today, and running through until 30 June 2016, owners of unregistered or unwanted firearms can take advantage of this amnesty. The amnesty aims to—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: The amnesty aims to reduce the number of unwanted and unregistered firearms and aims to make the community safer for all. In a first for South Australia, participating firearms dealers will play a significant role in the amnesty, with people able to hand in firearms at participating licensed dealers. More than 45 dealers will join with police stations to receive firearms as part of the amnesty. The state government wants unwanted guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals. Any firearm, firearm part or ammunition can also be handed in. With half of all licensed dealers helping with this amnesty, the handing in of an unwanted firearm is very simple.

Lastly, the Firearms Bill 2015 is currently before the other place and includes provisions for a permanent amnesty. It is anticipated this will commence if the bill is passed by the parliament. If people would like any further information, such as participating dealers, it can be accessed on line at the South Australia Police website.

The SPEAKER: Arising out of that ministerial statement, I call to order the member for Finniss, the leader and the Treasurer.