The invention of a secret underground bunker in Perth contributed to the Western Australia authorities to outlaw high-powered firearms, some able to penetrating police physique armour.
The bunker was found in Excessive Wycombe final 12 months however as we speak is the primary time we're seeing the delicate concealment, hidden beneath a rug and lounge.
When the bunker's door opened, the lounge lifted to disclose a set of stairs that led all the way down to a capturing vary with "an arsenal of very high-powered firearms being incorrectly saved".
Former skilled fighter David Letizia has already pleaded responsible to firearm associated costs. He was fined and misplaced his firearms licence.
"Unbelievably, the worst offence this particular person has allegedly dedicated is failing to use to the native council for approval to construct the bunker and underground capturing vary," WA Police Minister Paul Papalia stated.
"That is how outdated and weak our 50-year-old firearms legal guidelines are right here in WA, and that is why the Western Australian Police Pressure have requested us to utterly overhaul them."
"Why he wanted that many high-powered rifles in a secret underground capturing vary is past me."
The ban will come into impact on July 1, 2023, and can outlaw firearms and ammunition designed to shoot over lengthy ranges.
There are 56 sorts of weapons and 19 calibres of ammunition that shall be unlawful.
The 248 licensed firearms at the moment registered in Western Australia, must be disposed of earlier than then.
Papalia stated the weapons have been designed to hunt massive animals we do not have within the nation.
A few of these weapons are highly effective sufficient to penetrate WA Police armoured automobiles.
"Some projectiles from these firearms are able to penetrating the physique armour worn by cops, in addition to most laborious surfaces of police automobiles from as much as two kilometres away," Appearing WA Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley stated.
Premier Mark McGowan will fund a buyback scheme for the firearms, buying them from their homeowners at their present market worth.
"This reform is a part of my Authorities's dedication to overtake WA's 50-year-old gun legal guidelines and ensure group security comes first," he stated.
"The Western Australian Police Pressure has knowledgeable me there isn't any sensible want for these particular very high-powered firearms in WA."
Firearm homeowners can give up their weapons on the nearest police station.