QLD: Gun debate far from over says opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-1999
QLD: Gun debate far from over says opposition

BRISBANE, Feb 1 AAP - Queensland's gun laws were far from settled and modifications to the
legislation were still possible, the state opposition said today.

Spokesman Allan Grice said the opposition was consulting the community to seek more
commonsense legislation because there was evidence the problem was far from solved and there
was still substantial illegal gun trading.

Mr Grice said: "The National Party has not closed the debate. We are still listening and
asking for input from gun owners".

Senior police involved in the government's gun buyback program said recently only a
percentage of the weapons held by the public had been handed in.

Inspector John McCoomb of the Weapons and Licensing Branch said the gun laws had sent the
trade underground and it was possible to buy illegal semi-automatic and automatic weapons if
you have the right contacts.

Mr Grice said statistics showed gun robberies had increased 39 per cent and gun assaults 28
per cent since the guns buyback scheme was launched in 1997.

Gun related problems had not been solved, he said.

"Crims are still finding it easy to get hold of guns and the crime figures show that."

Mr Grice said the National Party favoured gun legislation which was safe and effective.

The main points in Queensland's gun laws introduced to parliament last July include: a ban
on automatic and semi-automatic weapons except for police, military and professional shooters;
primary producers given a special one-year licence and limited access to banned semi-automatic
weapons to cull stock and vermin; and licences to be renewed every five years instead of being
held for life.

As well, first-time applicants are granted a licence only after the completion of a
standard firearms training course and the establishment of a prohibited persons register.

AAP geb/bjm/de

KEYWORD: GUNS QLD

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