Legislation introduced to combat gun crime
New legislation could give communities and police greater protection from criminals who fire guns to avoid arrest or carry out drive-by shootings.
Under the Crimes Amendment (Possession or Discharge of Firearms in Commission of Offences) Bill 2015 criminals would be subject to new Standard Non–Parole Periods (SNPPs).
The legislation before Parliament - if passed - will see criminals face new SNPPs for five firearms offences and an increase to the existing SNPPs for two firearms and weapons offences.
NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton said the changes would help ensure the sentences for firearms and weapons offences aligned with community expectations and also reflect the seriousness of the crime.
"These new laws send a clear signal to criminals that if they want to own or worse yet use an illegal gun or weapon, they will face more time behind bars," Ms Upton said.
Changes to SNPPs for firearms and weapons offences
- Discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest: 9 years.
- Discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 9 years.
- Firing at a building with reckless disregard for safety (organised criminal activity): 6 years.
- Firing at a building with reckless disregard for safety during public disorder: 6 years.
- Firing at a building with reckless disregard for safety: 5 years.
- Unauthorised possession or use of a firearm: increased from 3 to 4 years.
- Unauthorised possession or use of a prohibited weapon: increased from 3 to 5 years.