The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison will introduce legislation into Parliament this week strengthening police powers to fight gun violence and crime.

If passed, the Firearm Amendment Bill 2019 will see the introduction of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), increased maximum penalty for a range of firearm offences (including increasing the maximum sentence of 2-years imprisonment to 3-years for possession and sale of a firearm) and an expanded list of disqualifying offences.

The introduction of a FPO scheme would prohibit certain people from possessing - or being in the company of someone who is possessing - a firearm and other firearm related items (including items such as ammunition, magazines, and firearm barrels) for 10-years.

The Commissioner of Police could issue an FPO for an individual based on the below criteria:

·         prior criminal history

·         prior behaviour

·         persons with whom the individual associates with

·         confidential criminal intelligence about the individual or with whom the individual associates with

·         police information that suggests the individual may pose a threat to community if they acquire a firearm

FPO’s have been implemented in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania and they have provided an effective tool for dealing with violent offenders, outlaw motorbike gangs and their associates.

The Commissioner of Police will not be required to give any reason for issuing an FPO if it was based on confidential criminal intelligence.

The Firearm Amendment Bill 2019 will also strengthen police powers, allowing them to search persons, premises or possessions without a warrant, to ensure that an individual subject to an FPO is compliant with their order.

The bill will be referred to the Social Policy Scrutiny Committee for review.

Quotes from Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison:

“Sadly, we have seen the horrific impact that gun violence can have – this legislation will give police more powers to stop gun violence.

“The Territory Labor Government is determined to keep our community safe by strengthening firearm legislation.

“We are giving our police stronger powers to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and help prevent crime before it happens.

“If passed, this legislation will make it harder for the wrong people to obtain firearms, and will see those that do, face harsher penalties.”