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Friday, November 18, 2011

Penalties to be Doubled for Weapons Offences

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP has welcomed the passing of tougher new weapons laws through State Parliament this week.

The new laws double the maximum jail time for those who illegally discharge a weapon in a public place, are involved in dangerous conduct with a weapon or for altering identifying details of a weapon.

“The maximum penalty for these crimes will double from 2 years to 4 years jail,” Mr Ryan said.

“The maximum penalty for illegally possessing a knife in a public place or school has also doubled from 6 months to 1 year behind bars.”

“The safety of local residents is always our first and foremost consideration and the upgrade to these penalties provides a strong deterrent to would-be weapons offenders.”

Mr Ryan said the new laws also made some sensible moves to streamline existing arrangements for law-abiding weapons users.

“One of the new laws means items on display by organisations like the RSL will no longer be required to be licensed and registered if they are permanently deactivated. This includes deactivated artillery pieces.”

“The Government has also expanded the definition of a bladed weapon to include push knives, butterfly knives and knifes concealed in other items such as walking sticks.

“People who have an occupational or recreational purpose to possess a knife will remain exempt from these laws.”

Other changes to the law include the regulation of laser pointers and high-capacity detachable magazines.