Please attribute to Police Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny
Since Police set up the 0800 number dedicated to the changes to firearms yesterday afternoon, 474 calls were received by 11am.
The highest number of calls received in one hour is 127.
More than a thousand people have notified Police using the online form that they wish to hand in their firearm. This form can be used for firearms which are affected by the changes announced yesterday, or any other firearm, and is available on the Police website.
Unfortunately, some people have decided it is a good use of their time to misuse the form and submit “fake” notifications to hand in weapons. While these individuals may be short of productive work to do, Police are not. In the current environment this is unacceptable. These vexatious forms are a huge waste of Police time and resources which could be put to better use.
Common questions and answers:
How long is the amnesty going to run for?
At this stage it is until further notice. Once the legislation has been changed more information on the amnesty will be provided to firearm owners.
Police encourages any person now in unlawful possession of a firearm, which is now classified as a MSSA, to go to the Police website and notify Police to arrange to hand over the firearm into Police custody. The transitional period allows for people to do so without facing any penalties.
When will the buyback be in place?
The Prime Minister has said that a buyback will occur. The details of this are being worked through now and information on how that will work will be announced in due course. In the meantime, Police encourages all affected people to log their information on the Police website to ensure you can take part in the buyback.
How much are the government going to pay?
The details of this are being worked through now and more information will be available soon.
If I surrender a firearm now, am I eligible for any future buyback?
The Prime Minister has said that a buyback will occur. The details of this are being worked through now and information on what that looks like will be announced in due course. In the meantime, Police encourages all affected people to log their information on the Police website to ensure you can take part in the buyback.
Police will ensure the safe and secure storage of your firearm and give you the information you will require to follow the buyback process, once it has been confirmed.
Can I modify my firearm that has been reclassified so it is lawful?
No.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre