Taken without permission from the Sydney Morning Herald, 5 March 1992
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New law to curb guns in the home
Police will confiscate the guns of anyone involved in a violent
domestic dispute under new gun laws proposed by the State Government
yesterday.
As well, self-protection will no longer be a reason to own a gun. Some
military-style self loading guns will be made illegal under the new
laws, but their owners will have until 1997 to hand in the weapons
under a long term amnesty.
...
Designed to fit into a national strategy to curb gun ownership, they
put a heavy emphasis on restricting guns to prevent women and
children from domestic violence involving firearms.
It will be mandatory for police to confiscate firearms from a house
where the occupants have been involved in a domestic dispute involving
violence, whether threatened or real, and whether the dispute occurred
at that address or elsewhere.
The police will also have to confiscate weapons from anyone who has
had a restraining order issued against them. ...
>From May 1, when it is proposed the laws will start, genuine reasons
for holding a shooter's license will be primary production, business
or employment, collecting, sporting, vermin control, hunting, family
heirlooms, animal welfare and animal population control.
Mr Pickering [Police Minister] said: "Under the proposed legislation,
the person who has always had a .22 in the cupboard to guard against
the burglar will be required to demonstrate a genuine reason to own a
gun or will have to dispose of it legally."
...
Mr Pickering said there would be tougher requirements for storing
weapons. Where possible, the bolt or firing mechanism will have to be
removed and separated from the weapons, as will ammunition.
...
The president of Gun Control Australia, Mr John Crook, attacked the
package last night as totally inadequate.
"It is a sop to the public in an attempt to convince them that tougher
gun laws have been introduced when in fact they don't go anywhere near
far enough. It is pandering to the gun lobby."
"Any member of Parliament that votes for this legislation will have
blood on their hands."
....
Tim