On the 1st July 2001 amendments to the Firearms Act 1996 commence. This includes a range of measures designed to ensure police have sufficient enforcement powers in relation to the illegal trafficking of handguns and prohibited firearms.

The Act is specifically designed to ensure the Police Service has sufficient powers to detect and combat illegal trafficking activity, and the penalties for illegal trafficking are sufficient deterrent. The changers are not aimed at licensed shooters or their lawful associates.

This Act

• increases the penalties for the illegal possession of a pistol or prohibited firearm from 10 year's to 14 year's gaol
• makes it illegal to supply or take part in the supply of firearms to any person not authorised to use firearms. This will carry a maximum penalty of 20 year's imprisonment
• makes it illegal for a licensed firearms dealer to wilfully record false details in firearms transactions. The maximum penalty will be 14 year's imprisonment
• makes it illegal for an eligible person to obtain a license to act as a front for an illegal firearms dealer. The maximum penalty will be 14 year's imprisonment
• makes it illegal in NSW to conspire to traffic illegal firearms, even if such conspiring takes place outside NSW
• provides police with the power to demand all firearms and parts for inspection from suspected arms dealers
• introduces compulsory registration of firearm frames to curb the illegal trade in firearm parts

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