Tough new restrictions on weapons

Police Minister Rob Johnson today flagged tough new restrictions on the sale and supply of controlled weapons to minors as part of an overall State Government strategy to improve safety in and around entertainment precincts in Western Australia.

Mr Johnson said he would be creating new offences under the Criminal Code and increasing penalties for offences under the Weapons Act 1999.

The Minister said anyone found with a weapon in or near a place of public entertainment could face up to five years' jail.

"These restrictions will further safeguard law-abiding Western Australians and help eliminate weapons from our entertainment precincts," he said.

"An important part of the legislation focuses on the sale of controlled weapons to young people, particularly those under 18.

"Anyone caught selling or supplying a controlled weapon to a minor faces two years' imprisonment and a fine of $24,000.

"People have the right to have a night out without the fear of being attacked or threatened with a weapon."

Controlled weapons include a machete, bow, crossbow, dagger, double end knife, fixed baton, hand or foot claws, machete, metal whip, sickle or scythe, spear, spear gun, sword, throwing blade or knife, throwing star, weighted chain or cord weapon.

The legislation creates the following new offences in the Criminal Code that will attract a penalty of five years' imprisonment:

• being armed in or near places of public entertainment

• being armed in public in company

• having ready access to both weapons and a prescribed amount of cash

• having ready access to both weapons and illicit drugs.

The Bill also increases penalties within the Weapons Act:

• penalties for importing, possessing, purchasing, selling, supplying or manufacturing prohibited weapons would increase from the current maximum of $8,000 and/or two years imprisonment to $36,000 and/or three years imprisonment

• penalties for offences relating to the carriage or possession of controlled weapons would increase from the current maximum of $4,000 and/or one year imprisonment to $24,000 and/or two years imprisonment

• penalties for offences relating to the carriage or possession of other items of weapons increased from the current maximum of $4,000 and /or one year imprisonment to $24,000 and/or two years imprisonment.

The legislation will be introduced into State Parliament this week.

Minister's office: 9222 9211