National Party leader says focus on firearms black market needed
by George Souris MP
Media Release by Leader of the NSW National Party
Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs & Services, Finance and State Development
30 April 2001
Premier Carr must rule out any further tightening of firearms laws, NSW National Party Leader, George Souris said today.
Mr Souris said such a move would unfairly punish law-abiding, genuine sporting shooters and farmers across the State.
“Law-abiding firearms owners with legally registered firearms are not the people committing crimes,” Mr Souris said.
“According to research from the Australian Institute of Criminology released last July by the Federal Minister for Justice, Amanda Vanstone: “not one handgun used in a homicide between 1997 and 1999 was used by a licensed owner. One gun was registered, but to the victim.”
“Clearly, the problem lies not with licensed firearms owners but with those people who obtain firearms illegally through the black market.
“Instead of targeting genuine and legitimate sporting shooters and farmers, the National Party believes the Carr Government should be focusing on those who obtain illegal firearms through the black market and use them to commit crimes.
“The black market in firearms is spiralling out of control. The vast majority of crimes are being committed by criminals without firearm licences and using unregistered firearms. A further tightening of firearms legislation would not reduce firearms crime being committed by these people.
“Harsher penalties for criminals who use illegal, unregistered firearms should be seriously considered.
“While the concept of an amnesty on handguns is worthy, it is unlikely to result in a substantial reduction in illegal handguns held by criminals,” he said.
Mr Souris said the Carr Government, which is currently reviewing firearms laws, must reject all calls for a further tightening of firearms laws, and should instead take the issue of the black market in firearms seriously.
“Any further tightening of firearms laws would only hurt law-abiding sporting shooters and farmers,” Mr Souris said.
Media Contact: Tanya Cleary Ph: (02) 9230 2196 Mob: 0418 - 615 280 Pager: 9214 7690.
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