Laws introducing tougher penalties to target the illegal firearm trade have passed NSW Parliament. Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Justice Troy Grant said the Firearms and Weapons Prohibition Legislation Amendment Act 2015 will deliver on a commitment by the NSW Government to crack down on those who endanger the community. “These laws have a clear focus of hitting the illegal firearms trade because it’s clear the illegal gun market presents the threat to the community,” Mr Grant said.
The laws:
– Creates a new offence for the possession of a stolen firearm, which will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment;
– Increases 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;
– Applies 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
– Includes 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.
