Police Minister Paul Papalia will today introduce into State Parliament legislation to give police new powers to get guns out of the hands of criminals and off the streets.
Central to the new legislation is a Firearm Prohibition Order Scheme, designed to target bikies and other serious organised crime figures.
Under the scheme, Police will be able to ban anyone reasonably suspected of posing a threat to the community, from holding a gun licence or from living in a house where guns are stored.
Once a FPO has been served on a person, police will have the power to stop and search that person and anyone in their company at any time, as well as enter their home, car or workplace at any time, to search for illegal guns.
Those found to be in breach of a FPO could face jail terms of up to 14 years and fines of up to $75,000.
Along with the new police powers, penalties are also increasing for anyone involved in drive by shootings or discharging a firearm at a house or building.
Maximum jail terms for unlawfully discharging a firearm in public to cause fear will be lifted from three to seven years, with fines increasing to $36,000.
Jail terms for anyone caught in unlawful possession of a firearm will also double from three years to seven years.
The maximum fine for the same offence will increase three-fold from $12,000 to $36,000.
The proposed amendments will also make it illegal to manufacture plastic 3D firearms, with anyone caught facing a maximum 14 years in jail.
A maximum 10-year jail penalty will apply to anyone caught in possession of instructions or plans on how to make them.
The technology, which has been on the rise in America, can be capable of firing live bullets and is difficult to detect through traditional metal detectors and scanning equipment.
While there have so far been very few recorded detections in Western Australia the McGowan Government is staying ahead of the trend amending legislation to outlaw the devices.
New provisions are also being made to target those involved in the backyard manufacture of traditional firearms, major firearms parts or ammunition.
Those who allow their premises to be used for the purpose of manufacture or repair of firearms will face a maximum penalty of 14 years jail.
The reforms will strengthen WA Police Force enforcement activities to combat serious and organised crime and are part of the McGowan Government's determination to disrupt and dismantle bikie gangs and organised crime.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"On top of the Government's anti-consorting legislation, we are giving our police further tools they need to disrupt the activities of bikies and organised syndicates.
"Firearm prohibition orders have worked effectively in other jurisdictions around Australia and are squarely aimed at sending a strong message to those involved in gun crime and the illegal gun trade.
"We're also strengthening penalties around the manufacture of firearms to crack down on the criminal underworld.
"And we're ensuring there are strong penalties for those who recklessly and unlawfully discharge firearms in public.
"These reforms are part of our ongoing focus on disrupting organised crime and there will be more to come."
