Crime Stoppers Qld spreading the word about permanent gun amnesty

It was estimated by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission in 2016 that there were 250,000 long arm and 10,000 handguns either unregistered or unable to be registered, as well as prohibited firearm accessories, in Australia.

In the last national amnesty, in 2017, 57,324 firearms were handed in along with 2432 parts and accessories and more than 80,000 rounds of ammunition.

Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO Carmen Jenkinson said the number still in the community was the reason the amnesty had been made permanent.

"Now, if you hold onto unregistered firearms and don't take these steps to register them or surrender them, there are significant penalties, up to 13 years in jail, and a criminal record," she said.

"There's really no need to keep an unregistered firearm anymore.

"We hear about those guns that people don't want to lose - they might have sentimental value or be an historic piece.

"They can now either be surrendered to the police by prior appointment, no questions asked, or you can contact your local firearms dealer to negotiate an arrangement where they can register it on your behalf, and either return it to you, or sell it if you want."

That transaction is carried out anonymously.

The ultimate aim is to prevent illicit firearms falling into the wrong hands.

READ MORE: Amnesty won't nab criminal weapons - poll

Ms Jenkinson said she could understand why rural people thought gun crime didn't concern them as it was in more populated areas that unregistered firearms were used in organised crimes.

"But people in regional areas of Queensland are more likely to be targeted for gun theft," she said. "It's because of the isolation of properties and because people tend to be more relaxed about their security there."

Crime Stoppers Queensland deputy chairman Greg Beale said he and a team of volunteers would be in Blackall and surrounding regions for the next week, educating local communities about the risk.

"The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and by joining forces with Blackall and surrounding regional communities, we can all play our part in keeping our towns safe and reducing the risk of illicit weapons falling into the wrong hands," he said.

"During our regional road trip, our key focus is to educate the public on the threat of unwanted, unregistered and illicit firearms in our communities.

"As a recreational shooter, I know the importance of not only registering your firearms but also ensuring that they are stored safely."

Unregistered firearms pose a serious a threat because they are difficult to trace and can fall into the hands of criminals.

Being caught with an unregistered or illegal firearm outside amnesty conditions could result in a fine of up to $66,725, up to 13 years in jail, and a criminal record.

Information about Queensland requirements, including how and where to surrender firearms, can be found at the Crime Stoppers Queensland website.

More details about the permanent national firearms amnesty in general is available on the federal government's Home Affairs website.

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