Firearms and ammunition designed to shoot over long ranges with extraordinary power and precision will be outlawed in WA from 1 July 2023.

Premier McGowan stated, "Our Government is committed to ensuring our community and our Police Officers have the best possible protection from gun violence. The Western Australian Police Force has informed me there is no practical need for these specific very high-powered firearms in WA. While they remain in our community, these weapons are vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands, and the consequences could be devastating."

Under the ban, 53 makes and models of firearms and 19 calibres of ammunition will become illegal in WA. That means a total of 248 licensed firearms, which are currently legal in WA, must be disposed of by the 1 July deadline.

The WA Police Force commenced sending correspondence to the owners of these 248 licensed firearms, advising them they must be disposed of by the cut-off date.

The McGowan Government will fund a buyback of the specified firearms, at market value. The funds will be paid to a nominated bank account within eight weeks of the firearm's official surrender at the nearest police station.

Acting Commissioner Kylie Whiteley supported the comments of the Premier, adding "Some projectiles from these firearms are capable of penetrating the body armour worn by police officers, as well as most hard surfaces of police vehicles from up to two kilometres away. With specific types of rounds, a bullet from these firearms can also penetrate WA Police Force armoured vehicles. This is why we have requested the State Government ban this list of specific types of firearms and ammunition. Police will monitor the disposal of the identified firearms and, where required, any reports of lost or stolen firearms will be the subject of a full investigation."

Click here for more information about owning and licensing a firearm in Western Australia.