Western Australia will outlaw the possession of some high-powered firearms after a bunker allegedly containing a cache of weapons was present in suburban Perth.
It is alleged the weapons had been being saved in a hidden underground vault at a property in Excessive Wycombe, accessed by way of a lure door utilizing a hydraulic arm.
The proprietor of the bunker, which additionally features a capturing vary, is dealing with allegations that he constructed it with out council approval.
Premier Mark McGowan on Tuesday introduced his authorities would ban “very high-powered” firearms able to capturing over a protracted vary and piercing armor plating.
Greater than 50 sorts of firearms and 19 calibers of ammunition will change into unlawful and a authorities buyback will probably be carried out.
Police Minister Paul Papalia mentioned the bunker discovery confirmed the necessity to replace the state’s “outdated and weak” firearms legal guidelines.
“Unbelievably, the worst offense this particular person has allegedly dedicated is failing to use to the native council for approval to construct the bunker and underground capturing vary,” he mentioned.
“This individual was a licensed firearms proprietor. A lot of the weapons down there have been licensed.
“Why he wanted that many high-powered rifles in a secret underground capturing vary is past me.”
A complete of 248 licensed firearms have to be disposed of by the July 1 deadline and will probably be purchased again at market worth.
Homeowners should present their firearm’s license, checking account particulars and proof of buy once they give up their weapons to police stations.
Performing WA Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley mentioned some projectiles from the firearms had been able to penetrating physique armor worn by law enforcement officials and onerous surfaces of automobiles from as much as two kilometers away.
“With particular sorts of rounds, a bullet from these firearms can even penetrate WA Police Pressure armored automobiles,” she mentioned.
“For this reason we have now requested the state authorities to ban this listing of particular sorts of firearms and ammunition.”
Mr McGowan mentioned he had been suggested there was no sensible want for these firearms in WA.
“Whereas they continue to be in our group, these weapons are susceptible to falling into the mistaken arms and the results could possibly be devastating,” he mentioned.
