A 56-year-old man from Southport in Southern Tasmania has been charged with firearms offenses after a search was conducted on Sunday.
Following a tip from a member of the public, police seized 9 unregistered firearms, ammunition and illicit drugs.
Senior Constable Nick Evans from Dover Police Station emphasized the importance of the public’s involvement in keeping the community safe.
“Information from the public is invaluable when it comes to firearms and illicit substances,” he said.
The senior constable also reminded the public that there is a permanent amnesty for unregistered firearms in Tasmania and that people can turn in these firearms to police or licensed firearms dealers without any consequences.
He stressed that firearms owners must ensure that their firearms are stored legally, in accordance with their licenses.
The man is facing numerous firearms-related charges and will be summoned to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about illicit drugs and illegal firearms to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously.
Tasmania Targets Gun Crime with Proposed Firearms Amendments
The Tasmanian government is proposing changes to the states firearms legislation in an effort to crack down on the illegal manufacturing of firearms, criminal activity, and imitation guns.
The proposed amendments would automatically cancel firearms licenses for members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, those in possession of shortened firearms, and individuals who Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis says are “not deserving of this privilege in our society”.
The changes would also make it illegal to possess digital blueprints for the manufacture of firearms parts, sound suppressors, and “ghost guns” using 3D printing or electronic milling technology – except for exempt individuals.
Minister Ellis said that the focus of these reforms is to reduce gun violence and criminal activity in Tasmania.
“We will be cracking down on people who threaten Tasmanians’ safety through their illegal or unsafe behaviour with firearms.”
Imitation firearms, such as gel blasters, would also be considered firearms under the Act, making it an offence to use them to threaten, intimidate, or conduct criminal activity.
“Gel blasters are not toys. They are intentionally manufactured to look, weigh, and feel like firearms and have an operating system similar to an air rifle. People have used these to threaten and intimidate the public and that is unacceptable,” added Ellis.
The government is also proposing to adopt changes made to the National Firearms Agreement to reclassify lever-action shotguns.
The proposed amendments include the automatic cancellation of firearms licenses for individuals who participate in dangerous and outlawed gangs or who possess modified firearms that are considered highly dangerous.
“If you participate in a dangerous and outlawed gang, or if you possess modified firearms that are highly dangerous, you will automatically lose your license and be prosecuted accordingly,” stated Ellis.
“We are committed to ensuring that our police have the authority to stamp out any criminal activity and penalise those who threaten our safety.”
Consultation on the Firearms Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2023 will be open until 17 March 2023.
