The Victorian Government’s decision to extend the amnesty on ownership of illegal guns for a further two years is a serious threat to public safety, according to Gun Control Australia (GCA).

“This decision does not fit well with the Uniform Gun Laws introduced in May 1996 following the Port Arthur massacre,” said GCA Spokesperson Randy Marshall.

“What’s the point of the $100 million spent in Victoria in the Gun Buy Back if penalties for holding the remaining highly dangerous and illegal weapons are once again postponed?” Mr Marshall said.

“The new deadline is no deadline — and legitimises the existence of dangerous weapons in the community with no possibility of penalties for irresponsible shooters who are still holding these banned rifles and shotguns.

“GCA estimates there are still about 90,000 illegal weapons in Victoria. Even the Federal Government’s optimistic estimates indicate there could be up to 30,000 illegal weapons remaining in the State. More ominously, the gun lobby’s own estimates, published by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, place the figure at 1,000,000 – a confession of illegality by the self-proclaimed representatives of ‘law-abiding’ shooters.

“Where’s the incentive to hand in these weapons? Gone for another two years – - two years in which some will be used, perhaps fatally, on families, innocent bystanders, and in crimes against police and public” Mr Marshall said. This is a short-sighted decision which may prove very costly – to ordinary Victorians and law enforcement personnel. To be effective, an amnesty must create a sense of urgency and clearly communicate the consequences of not surrendering these proscribed weapons. It must make shooters see that the government is serious. What shooters know now is that Police Minister Bill McGrath will do anything to win their favour regardless of public confidence. A year ago Mr McGrath also bent over backward to appease the gun lobby. We think it is time for Mr Mc Grath to be replaced.

“Hefty $12,000 to $24,000 fines and jail terms built into the Uniform Gun Laws have once again been postponed. In 1998 Mr McGrath made it possible for many thousands of shooters, the members of the Field and Game Association, to own and use 5 shot semi-auto and pump-action shotguns – - in direct contradiction to the National Agreement on Gun Laws. Prime Minister Howard had to step in and ban the import of further Category C and D weapons as a means of controlling Mr McGrath’s subservience to the gun lobby” Mr Marshall said.

“What the Kennett Government is saying is: ‘Hold on to your illegal weapons for a further two years – in the unlikely event that we catch you, we won’t prosecute you and perhaps the laws may change” Mr Marshall said.