More than 38,000 firearms handed in as Government buyback wraps up

West Australian firearms owners have handed over more than 38,000 guns as part of the State Government’s buyback program, with 6000 licence holders surrendering all their weapons. At the end of the buyback program last month, 3195 handguns, 9908 shotguns, and 25,339 rifles had been surrendered, with over half of the firearms coming from within the metropolitan area. More than half the guns — which totalled 83 tonnes — have already been destroyed. Some were crushed, while others were taken to an undisclosed, remote location and detonated with explosives. But the remote explosion was slammed by the Opposition as a “PR stunt”. Of the $63.7 million budgeted for the buyback, Police Minister Paul Papalia said $11 million had been paid out, with as much as $4 million more expected to be processed in coming weeks. The six-month buyback program was launched in February ahead of the passage of Labor’s firearm laws, which imposed tough limits on firearm ownership in WA — between five and ten depending on license holders’ purposes. Under the laws, which Mr Papalia said elevated community safety to the heart of enforcement of the Act, the Government has also begun seizing firearms from domestic violence thugs and violence restraining order breachers, 115 from 41 people since June. “This is the single biggest reduction in gun numbers anywhere in Australia since John Howard was prime minister at the time of the Port Arthur massacre,” Mr Papalia said. “It means that the Western Australian community is a safer place. Fewer guns means the community is safer. There’s less likelihood of those firearms finding their way into the hands of people who will do harm with them.” Owners will also face tougher health and mental health checks, storage requirements, and changes to the property letter system. The old system allowed licence holders to be endorsed for gun ownership by farm owners for vermin control. However, the system became the subject of abuse, with letters made available for purchase. Property owners will now be limited to the number of letters they can issue for their property, focusing on genuine regional use. As part of the laws, all existing property letters will become invalid and must be reissued. Property owners will also no longer be able to sell them for profit. According to police modelling, the new laws are expected to reduce the number of firearms in WA by a quarter — or 90,000 guns. Opposition Leader Shane Love repeated his call that the buyback should be extended. “It would seem to be far more sensible to leave that scheme open, so that firearm owners can make considered decisions on whether they are going to be able to re licence that firearm,” Mr Love said. “As we know, there is a lot of uncertainty about many of the regulations and changes which are coming. On the explosion, Mr Love said: “It’s just ridiculous. The minister is on some sort of Boy Zone publicity trail here.” Mr Papalia criticised the Nationals for accepting a $50,000 donation from the Sporting and Shooting Association, saying it had “compromised” their party’s position. Mr Love denied the substantial donation had played any part in the Nationals strong opposition to the Firearms Act 2024. “Our position on this matter was known long before any donation was made to us,” Mr Love said. “We have held that position since the introduction of legislation and the way it has been gone about. “Various organisations make donations to political parties. Ask the government why it is receiving donations from CFMEU.”