Moves to implement the toughest firearm controls in Australia have been met with accusations that it is nothing more than a smokescreen for weak action on high crime rates and cost of living problems.
On Feb. 14, the Western Australian (WA) Labor government announced a new ban on high-powered firearms able to fire over long distances and capable of piercing armour plating.
Under the ban, 56 types of firearms and 19 calibres of ammunition will become illegal. This means 248 licenced firearms will be banned and must be disposed of by July 1, 2023.
The state will fund a “buyback” scheme to purchase the weapons from legal owners….