WA Police minister Paul Papalia, Asst Commissioner Peter Healy and WA Premier Roger Cook with some of the guns surrendered under the WA government’s firearm buy-back compensation scheme.
Esperance Police are reminding residents that the WA government’s firearm buy-back compensation scheme is in its final week.
Beginning in February this year, the scheme is described as the most significant overhaul of firearm laws in recent history.
“The proposed changes will make WA a safer place,” WA premier Roger Cook said in a press conference last October.
“For the first time public safety will be elevated above all else.”
Esperance police officer in charge Chris Taylor has said that since February, more than 150 firearms had been surrendered in Esperance.
With the scheme to cease on August 31, Snr Sgt Taylor urges Esperance gun owners to participate in the buy-back while they still can.
“We are asking all firearm holders to make an appointment,” he said.
Once they have contacted the Police Station, holders are advised to bring their firearms to the station where they will be assessed for the schedule of payment to be arranged.
Looking past the reform, the new firearm legislation includes changes to firearm licencing such as enhanced storage requirements, mandatory firearm training and compulsory health checks.
WA Police minister Paul Papalia said the reverberation of the reform and new legislation would see Western Australia adopt the toughest firearm laws in the Nation.
