The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is encouraging firearm owners to plan ahead by addressing registration requirements for their firearms, to prevent leaving an administrative burden on their loved ones after their passing.
To do this, weapons licence holders can establish future estate plans for their registered firearms in their last will and testament.
The initiative is supported by Operation Whiskey Firestorm, a QPS campaign which aims to reduce firearm thefts and increase awareness of legal storage obligations under the Weapons Regulation 2016 reinforced by, "Safety First, Secure Always.''
Operation Whiskey Firestorm Coordinator, Detective Superintendent George Marchesini, expressed concern about the number of reported cases in Queensland this year where firearms from deceased estates were not properly stored.
He noted bereaved family members were often not registered firearm holders, and in some instances, these firearms were stolen.
"Losing a loved one is an already emotional and stressful period to navigate, which is why ensuring future plans are put in place should be a priority for licensed firearms owners,'' Detective Superintendent Marchesini said.
"We know when firearms are not considered in estate planning, they are susceptible to becoming lost or even stolen, severely compromising community safety as family members navigate unfamiliar storage and disposal procedures.
"We've had a case this year where a bereaved family member was unsure how to legally store a firearm, so they disassembled it and placed the separate pieces and the ammunition around the house.
"We've also had incidents when firearms were stolen from deceased estates, including from a property which had not been lived in since the passing of the occupants.''
Detective Superintendent Marchesini said many Queenslanders were unaware it was possible to hand in firearms to their local police station without reprimand as part of The Permanent National Firearm Amnesty.
As part of Operation Whiskey Firestorm, officers have been acting in accordance with The Permanent National Firearms Amnesty to promote the voluntary surrender of unregistered firearms.
Since the operation started on 24 January this year, there have been 668 firearms surrendered in Queensland to either police stations or participating weapons and firearms dealers, as part of the Amnesty.
Alternatively, if licensed weapons holders want to keep firearms in the family as part of future estate planning, family members are encouraged to register for the same category weapons licence to streamline the weapons-transfer process.
"To safeguard the Queensland community and to reduce stress and costs on grieving loved ones, we ask all firearms holders and their families to familiarise themselves with the processes involved with passing on firearms and to ensure information is up to date on who will dispose of or assume responsibility for their firearms,'' Detective Marchesini said.
"We want to remind all licensed firearms owners that family members who are not appropriately licensed cannot take responsibility for firearms that are left behind.''
The QPS is encouraging anyone who is aware of unsafe firearm storage to report it via Policelink (131 444) or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000). For further information on how to surrender an unregistered firearm, visit police.qld.gov.au/units/weapons-licensing.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of firearm safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper firearm storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. Operation Whiskey Firestorm is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw 1,055 firearm licenses revoked, and over 3,290 offences involving firearms, including serious offences such as attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful entry.
The QPS will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
