Tara Murray
A three-month campaign will target the removal of illegal guns from the community.
Crime Stoppers Australia has partnered with the Federal Government for this year’s National Illicit Firearms Campaign.
During the campaign, a range of community engagement and promotional events in regional and metropolitan communities across Australia will encourage people to share what they know about illegal guns, and to safely surrender any they may have in their possession.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the Morrison Government was committed to keeping Australians safe by stamping out gun violence in our communities.
“Illegal guns are more likely to be used in crime, more likely to be defective or insecurely stored, and more likely to be involved in accidents,” she said.
“There is no excuse – indeed no legitimate reason – for anyone in Australia to have an illicit firearm.
“Our message today is simple – if you have an illicit firearm, do the right thing; do the right thing by your friends, family, and community; do the right thing by yourself – hand it in.
“If you surrender it, you can do so without penalty. The alternative is a knock on your door from the police and the potential for serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment.”
Crime Stoppers Australia chair Dr Vince Hughes said all Australians should consider how they would feel if they had information about an illegal gun which was then used to harm or kill someone.
“Criminals often go to great lengths to obtain a firearm illegally and then conceal it from authorities, and it’s unlikely they would go to that effort unless they are prepared to use it,” Dr Hughes said.
“With the Commonwealth Government, police services across the country and Crime Stoppers working together on this campaign, you need to surrender that gun now or risk being reported by someone who has information about you.”
“Australia is certainly not immune from the devastating impacts that come with having illegal firearms in the hands of criminals. We have seen the tragic loss of life and severe injuries that occur when people turn a blind eye and allow illegal firearms to remain in the
community.
“The demand for illegal firearms is driven by organised crime groups right through to low-level individual criminals, who want and use firearms to protect their interests and to commit violent acts.”
“If you suspect that someone has an illegal gun, share what you know with Crime Stoppers before it is too late. Report safely without the need to say who you are, get involved, or put yourself at risk of harm.”
Details: www.crimestoppers.com.au/firearmamnesty.
