BY MARLEY RAE
New restrictions will be imposed on Hunter gun owners, as the state government announces a major investment into the NSW Firearms Registry.
It follows the introduction of the country's toughest gun laws after last December's Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people.
The reforms include reducing the license period from five years to two years, strengthening background checks on people seeking to own firearms, a comprehensive audit of all existing firearm licenses and capping the number of firearms a person can own.
Police Minister and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the new reforms were greatly needed.
"This is the sort of compliance we want in place to ensure that NSW is safe and to ensure that the gun registry has a lens over all our licensed gun holders," she said.
"Licenses will now to be renewed every two years, meaning compliance checks have to be done every two years."
The $39.9 million investment will deliver 22 extra staff for the states Firearms Registry, in a bid to effectively implement the changes.
Recruitment for the positions will begin shortly.
"This is a critical part of the gun reform, as it makes sure people who are applying for a gun license can assure the registry that meet all of the checks and balances," said Minister Catley.
"This investment will strengthen checks, improve oversight, and support practical work needed to reduce risk of attacks across the state."
