WA firearm owners urged to hand in guns through buyback scheme

Western Australian firearms owners are being urged to hand in their guns through the State Government's buyback scheme which begins next week.

From Wednesday, February 21, all WA firearm licence holders are eligible to receive compensation for surrendered weapons dependent on type, style, calibre, and initial registration date.

For example, a newer revolver handgun could fetch $1000, while an older double-barrel shotgun will receive $420.

The $64.3 million buyback scheme will continue for six months or until the fund is exhausted.

Firearms can be surrendered at any WA Police station.

Unlicensed firearms may be surrendered without penalty and without fear of prosecution, but, they will not qualify for the buyback scheme. 

The buyback scheme coincides with new legislation which will see WA become the first state in Australia to introduce a limit on the number of firearms an individual can own.

Other key changes include enhanced storage requirements, mandatory firearms training and compulsory health checks.

“All firearms owners should seriously consider taking part in the voluntary buyback," Police Minister Paul Papalia said

 “The $64.3 million buyback will remove tens of thousands of unnecessary firearms from the community, and see the Cook Government establish WA as the first State in Australia to place limits on the number of firearms a person can own.

“Unfortunately, a number of high-profile firearm incidents have compromised the safety of regular, law-abiding Western Australians in recent years. 

“If there are fewer firearms in the community, there will fewer opportunities for them to be used inappropriately.”