New firearms Bill to include tougher penalties

WELLINGTON: The Government is to bring in harsher penalties for those who illegally trade firearms in a bid to stop guns getting into the hands of criminals.

Police Minister Stuart Nash yesterday confirmed details of a new Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Bill that will create a registry of guns, and new offences and penalties for illegal manufacture, trafficking or changing markings on firearms.

Mr Nash said the Arms Act came into force in 1983 and was no longer fit for purpose.

He said a person who illegally sold a firearm was currently liable for a prison term of up to three months or a $1000 fine.

Under the new Bill they could be jailed for two years or fined up to $20,000.

At the Bill’s announcement in Christchurch yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she hoped the Bill would get crossparty support.

‘‘These changes are about public safety. They’re a response, we believe, to what New Zealanders have asked for,’’ she said.

‘‘They’re about ensuring people who need to use guns can, but those who shouldn’t don’t.

‘‘And that we try and prevent guns moving into the black market and from being used illegally.’’

One proposed change was a system of warning flags to show if a person might not be fit to hold a firearms licence.

Under the new firearm licensing scheme, applicants would need to provide the name and address of their doctors, who would in turn be notified that person had

obtained a firearms licence.

If the person presented to the doctor with mental health issues, the doctor would be expected to pass that information on to the police.

The Bill will have its first reading on September 24.