Australia
Policeman's Loaded Gun Goes Undetected on Flight from Sydney Airport
Sydney Morning Herald / AAP
2 July 2008
An investigation is underway after a NSW police officer managed to board a flight at Sydney airport still carrying his gun. The officer was in full uniform and was on duty when he boarded the flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast yesterday morning, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said. The officer was detected with the gun at the Gold Coast and travelled back to Sydney with the weapon in the hold. A spokesman... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Gun Lobby Pressure for American-style Laws 'Wrong Path' for Australia
Advertiser (Adelaide), Editorial
30 June 2008
Almost anyone who wants a firearm in Australia can get one. It is possible, and legal, to buy a gun and obtain a licence to use it. While most gun dealers are scrupulously honest, it is also possible to obtain weapons on the black market. One dealer appeared last week in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on charges of possessing illegal gun parts. The case has yet to be heard and the dealer has not entered a plea,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Germany, Switzerland, Italy, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa
Gun Laws in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, UK, Australia, South Africa
Associated Press
26 June 2008
GERMANY: Requires license to obtain and use firearms and stipulates a check on the "reliability and suitability" of holders at least once every three years. Under-25s must undergo psychological screening. Buyers must justify why they need a gun. Would-be buyers of recreational firearms must produce proof of regular membership in shooting club for at least one year. Legal age for owning recreational firearms is 21. That... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
National Gun Buyback Planned to Curb Crime in Papua New Guinea
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
23 June 2008
The Papua New Guinea Police Minister, Sani Rambi, says his Government is planning a nationwide gun buyback scheme as part of efforts to reduce crime. He says too many illegal guns are in the hands of the wrong people. Mr Rambi told the Post Courier newspaper he is weighing up on the issue of time and cost to attack the root cause of an upsurge in organised crime. The paper quotes the Minister saying he is for the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Police 'Check' Gun, Bullet Pierces Courtroom Wall in Papua New Guinea
TVNZ News / AAP
20 June 2008
A Papua New Guinea court saw more evidence than it wanted when a handgun exhibit was accidentally fired, leaving a bullet hole in a courtroom wall. Police are now under investigation after the confiscated gun went off in Port Moresby District Court, in PNG's capital, on Thursday. The gun had been taken from senior public servant Anton Semoko, who was in court at the time to answer a charge of unlawfully possessing the weapon.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian State Premier Enlists Sweetheart Shooters in Power Push
Crikey (Australia), Web Page
19 June 2008
The Iemma Government has put the future of its power privatisation legislation into the hands of its political enemies in the Coalition, and now it is doing dirty deals with the Shooters Party to scrounge the redneck vote. In the NSW Legislative Council today, Shooters MPs Roy Smith and Robert Jones will be pushing their Firearms Amendment Bill which amends the Firearms Act 1996 brought in following Martin Bryant's massacre at Port... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Shooters Party Gets 2-party Support to Relax Australian State's Gun Law
Sydney Morning Herald / AAP
18 June 2008
New gun laws passed in NSW parliament will start unravelling strict measures brought in after the Port Arthur massacre, the NSW Greens say. A bill, passed on Thursday by the upper house, removes the 28-day waiting period for people with a registration waiting for a second or subsequent gun. The Shooters Party-initiated bill also removes the need to register guns made prior to 1900 and introduces more exemptions for people... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Handguns for Children: Shooters Party Wants Law Relaxed in Australia
ABC News (Australia)
17 June 2008
The Shooters Party has defended its push to allow minors as young as 12 to use high-calibre handguns in shooting competitions. The proposal is contained in a draft bill that is before the New South Wales Upper House. Under the current laws, juniors can only use low-calibre firearms in supervised shooting competitions. The National Coalition for Gun Control says the bill aims to drastically water down the state's... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Routine Arming of Police Would Be Big Step, Says New Zealand PM
Radio New Zealand
17 June 2008
Arming police patrols as a matter of routine would be a significant development for New Zealand, says Prime Minister Helen Clark. A proposal for armed patrols in Auckland has been given extra impetus after the fatal shooting of a Manurewa liquor store owner on 7 June. The proposal could result in officers carrying Glock pistols and Bushmaster rifles. Miss Clark says police are not advocating that street patrols be routinely... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
New Plan for Routine NZ Police Patrol to Carry Guns 'Hard to Accept' - MP
New Zealand Herald / NewsTalk ZB
15 June 2008
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark is at a loss to understand plans for permanently armed units on the streets of South Auckland. The Police Commissioner will consider a proposed six-month trial of the 24-hour patrols in August. Police say the idea comes from a review of their effectiveness at call-outs where firearms are involved. Officers would be equipped with shotguns, Glock pistols and medium-range Taser stun guns. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Unarmed Cops Remain 'Cornerstone of New Zealand Policing Model'
TVNZ One News
14 June 2008
Armed police units may be patrolling some of New Zealand's most dangerous streets by the middle of next year. A spate of violent crime has forced police to reconsider its policy of being generally unarmed. Designed to stop people in their tracks, police are considering using tasers and increasing the use of existing firearms to hit back at criminals on high risk Auckland streets. Police have been looking at alternative... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Shooters Party Accused of Vote Deal to Ease Gun Law in Australian State
Sydney Morning Herald
12 June 2008
A proposal to wind back the gun laws enacted by Bob Carr after the Port Arthur massacre will be taken to cabinet by the Police Minister amid accusations the Government is doing a deal with the Shooters Party to win its support in the upper house for key legislation. The police ministry has provided advice to the Shooters MP Roy Smith on drafting a private member's bill he has introduced that would allow people renewing their gun... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australia's Shooters Party Pushes Bill to Ease NSW State Gun Laws
Sydney Morning Herald
11 June 2008
The Greens have accused the New South Wales Government of courting the Shooters Party to help ease the passage of controversial legislation to ease the state's gun controls. The Bill, introduced to the Upper House by Shooters Party MP Roy Smith, would relax some safeguards and remove the 28-day waiting period for people with a registration waiting for a second gun. Mr Smith says he expects State Government support, given... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Gun Group Targets 11-18 Year-old Australian Youth to Become Shooters
ABC News, Wide Bay (Bundaberg), Transcript
11 June 2008
David Dowsett: A division of the Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia has published The Junior Shooter. The junior shooting magazine to their parent magazine Australia Shooter has resulted in a fair amount of anger from those representing the anti-gun lobby. While the Sporting Shooters' Association says that shooting and hunting are challenging, exciting and also safe disciplines with a wide variety of competitions, the anti-gun voices... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Gun Group Targets Young Australian Shooters, Uses 'Sexualised Photos'
ABC News, Wide Bay (Bundaberg), Transcript
11 June 2008
David Dowsett: Well, Roland Brown is Chair of the National Coalition for Gun Control, so what does he make of the magazine? Roland, good morning. Roland Brown: Good morning, David, how are you? David Dowsett: Good thanks, Roland, what are your thoughts on this magazine for junior shooters, is it a bit of a concern for you? Roland Brown: It's a concern for me for a couple of reasons. I want to talk about some of... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Fearful New Zealand Shop Owners Push for Guns After Robbery Killing
ABC News (Australia)
10 June 2008
The death of an Indian shop owner during an armed robbery in Auckland has led to a call for shop owners to carry guns. Thirty-year-old father of three Navtej Sing had his hands in the air when he was shot by one of three men robbing his South Auckland shop. He died yesterday in hospital. Gang violence has escalated in the area and Indian shop owners say they are an easy target, and some want to be allowed to have... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
84yr-old Australian Licensed Gun Dealer in 'Gun Trafficking Ring' - Police
ABC News (Australia)
30 May 2008
An 84-year-old registered gun dealer at the centre of an alleged gun trafficking ring in central western New South Wales has been refused bail. Norman Whybrow was one of five men arrested when police raided six businesses and homes in Forbes and Peak Hill on Wednesday. They seized almost 400 guns, tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition and other weapons, including illegal high-powered slingshots and silencers. Officers... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Big Jump in Number of Newcomers Seeking Gun Licence in New Zealand
New Zealand Herald
29 May 2008
Aspiring Asian gun-owners, growing numbers of recreational hunters and the rise of the lifestyle block are being credited for an increase in the number of people seeking gun licences. A memo to police shows the number of first-time applicants for firearms licences almost doubled in six years, from 4654 in 2001 to 8370 last year. Mike Spray of the Mountain Safety Council -- which runs firearms training and lectures for licensees... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Licensed Gun Dealer Arrested, 300 Firearms Seized in Australian Raids
Sydney Morning Herald
28 May 2008
Police say they have seized hundreds of firearms and 20,000 rounds of ammunition during raids on a licensed gun dealer and homes in the Central West region of NSW. Ballistics officers, detectives and dog unit officers this morning raided an arms dealer operating from a home in Forbes along with four other residences in the town and another home at Peak Hill. At one of the houses, police arrested an 84-year-old man who is... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
84yr-old Australian Gun Shop Owner Arrested, Hundreds of Firearms Seized
Australian (Sydney)
27 May 2008
A gang of alleged illegal firearms dealers, including an elderly gun shop owner, has been busted after the seizure of hundreds of weapons in a series of raids in central western NSW, police say. Five people were arrested today, including an 84-year-old licensed gun dealer from Forbes, in five raids in the town and one in nearby Peak Hill. Police said they seized more than 300 firearms, at least 200,000 rounds of ammunition... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Tasmanian Shooters Lock Up Firearms, Leave Keys, Thieves Take Guns
Hobart Mercury (Tasmania)
27 May 2008
An arsenal of guns has fallen into criminal hands after two brazen robberies at homes in Hobart's northern suburbs. The cunning thieves stole 18 target rifles, hunting rifles and shotguns worth more than $16,500 during recent robberies in Glenorchy and Claremont. In each robbery the thieves ransacked the homes and located keys which enabled them to unlock well-secured gun safes and steal firearms. They also searched... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
New Zealand Police Choose US-made Assault Rifles as Weapon of Choice
New Zealand Herald
26 May 2008
Combat rifles are the weapons of choice for police dealing with situations involving firearms. Police say Bushmaster rifles, already used by armed offenders squad members, have greater accuracy than the Glock pistols now used. Acting Assistant Commissioner Gavin Jones said the Glock pistol would still be carried, but the Bushmaster would be the preferred weapon for armed incidents. ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Avid Australian Gun Collector, Explosives Enthusiast Dies in Blast
Sunday Telegraph (Sydney)
25 May 2008
A prominent Sydney scientist killed in a mysterious explosion at his semi-rural property was an avid gun collector and champion shooter. Dr Lionel Lowe, 67, was sitting on a ride-on mower at the rear of his Mitchell Rd, Dural property at the time of the blast at 4.30pm last Monday. Neighbours have told how their homes "shook" from the force of the explosion. "There was one loud explosion and the house shook," one neighbour,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Renewed Growth in Australian Gun Numbers Must Be Tackled Urgently
Sunday Times (Western Australia), Editorial
25 May 2008
If there was anything positive to emerge from the tragedy of the Port Arthur massacre it was that our nation was forced to seriously confront for the first time the issue of gun control. The action that followed was swift with the introduction of tougher national gun laws and a buyback scheme. Understandably, given the atrocities committed by lone gunman Martin Bryant, there was widespread community support for these measures.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Western Australia Now Has More Guns Than Before Port Arthur Massacre
Sunday Times (Western Australia)
25 May 2008
WA has more guns now than before the 1996 Port Arthur massacre -- a reversal of a near decade-long downward trend in weapon ownership. The jump coincides with a scathing national report, which found many firearms owners were failing to properly store them, including high-powered weapons left unlocked in cases, cars and cupboards. Inadequate security was to blame for more than half the gun thefts in Australia. Also,... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Combat Rifle Becomes Preferred Weapon for New Zealand Police Callouts
Radio New Zealand
24 May 2008
Police officers are more likely to use combat rifles in dealing with armed offenders instead of their traditional sidearms, under new training policies. The police say Bushmaster rifles, which are already used by members of Armed Offenders Squads, have greater accuracy than the Glock pistols they use at present. From July, nationwide training will ensure all officers are competent in using the rifle. The Acting... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australia's Victoria Police May Buy Safer, New Generation Semi-auto Pistols
Age (Melbourne), Opinion
19 May 2008
Iit is no secret that I have had reservations about introducing semi-automatic weapons into Victoria Police. What is being lost in the debate are the reasons for my long-held concerns. To suggest that I am anti-guns could not be further from the truth. Firearms are necessary for police to carry out their duties. But they are always the last resort. Quite rightly the community expects police to be very cautious in any changes we... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Gun Control Coalition Deplores Government Inaction
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
19 May 2008
More parliamentarians need to support the campaign to remove the threat of illegal firearms in Papua New Guinea. This was the wish raised by the chairman of the Gun Control Coalition, Oseah Philemon, last week. He commended Justice Minister Alan Marat and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas for their stand on the issue. "On behalf of the Gun Control Coalition I would like to thank Dr Marat and Mr Ipatas for raising the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Gun Owners Demand Compensation for 2003 Confiscation
Solomon Star (Honiara)
19 May 2008
Licensed gun holders say the Government must compensate them for the removal of their weapons in 2003. Hundreds of gun owners surrendered their weapons after RAMSI asked them to do that. This was part of the disarmament process RAMSI executed immediately after its arrival. But spokesman Martin Obasia said the Government must compensate them for removing their guns. He said they purchase their licences... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Police Union Pushes to Rearm Australia's Final Force with Semi-auto Pistols
Age (Melbourne) / AAP
15 May 2008
Police Association secretary Paul Mullett says Victoria Police is "pontificating" over a "no-brainer" decision over whether to introduce semi-automatic weapons. Mr Mullett said there was a history of evidence that strongly supports moving to semi-automatics. The wounding of Senior Constable David McHenry, 27, during a shoot-out on Tuesday night has renewed union calls for Victorian police to be armed with semi-automatic... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Last Australian State Under Pressure to Arm Police with Semi-auto Pistols
Age (Melbourne)
14 May 2008
An expert committee has recommended that police be rearmed with new multiple-shot semi-automatic pistols -- despite Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon's public reluctance to authorise the weapons upgrade. The controversy over police firearms resurfaced yesterday after the Police Association claimed the policeman injured during a fatal gun battle in South Melbourne was trying to reload his six-shot revolver when hit. Senior... ( gunpolicy.org )
Solomon Islands
Solomons Government to Meet Compensation Claims from Gun Owners
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
14 May 2008
The Solomon Islands government says it will decide on compensation claims by legal firearms owners who surrendered weapons during the disarmament campaign in 2003. When the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) intervened after years of armed social unrest, the ruling government then ordered a nationwide disarmament of both legal and illegal firearms holders. The Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has confirmed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Politicians Must 'Deal with Gun Issue as National Crisis'
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
9 May 2008
The development of Papua New Guinea is under serious threat with the ever increasing number of illegal guns in many parts of the country. The Post-Courier editor in chief Oseah Philemon said this after he was awarded a Divine Word University UNESCO Communication and Development award for reporting on gun-related issues in the country. Mr Philemon said gun-related incidents against innocent people were frequently reported... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Aussie Cop Swapped Stolen Service Pistol for Surfboards, Say Police
Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
7 May 2008
A Gold Coast police officer allegedly stole a service pistol and swapped it with a drug trafficker for two surfboards, a court was told yesterday. The Glock .22 handgun later ended up in NSW in the hands of an alleged illegal arms dealer, Southport Magistrate's Court was told. Senior Constable Christopher Curtin faced a committal hearing at the court yesterday, charged with stealing with circumstances of aggravation because... ( gunpolicy.org )
Austria, United Nations, Asia, Pacific
Austria Gives 100,000 Euros to UN Centre to Curb Asia-Pacific Gun Running
United Nations (New York), Media release
7 May 2008
Austria will contribute 100,000 to a United Nations project to curb the illicit flows of small arms and light weapons in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the world body's Office for Disarmament Affairs. The funds, pledged by Austria on 5 May, will go towards the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, which requires $2.2 million for its projects and to bolster its institutional capacity. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Do Cops Really Need 18-shot Pistols, Asks Australian State Police Chief
Herald Sun (Melbourne)
7 May 2008
Victoria police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon has questioned whether her force really needs semi-automatic Glock pistols that fire 18 shots. Victoria's Police Association union assistant secretary Bruce McKenzie said yesterday that the State Government had failed to keep its pre-election promise by not providing funds in its budget for the police to have Taser stun guns and semi-automatic weapons. Ms Nixon said today... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australia's Tightened Gun Laws Had Little Effect, Say Two Gun Lobbyists
Time.com / Online edition only, Web Page
1 May 2008
On the afternoon of April 28, 1996, Martin Bryant snapped. A striking figure with his long blond hair and milky skin, he had just eaten lunch at a café within the historic site of Port Arthur, a former prison in Australia's island state of Tasmania. Described later by his sentencing judge as a "pathetic social misfit," the 28-year-old then reached into his sports bag and, in the manner that others might pull out a sweater, withdrew two... ( gunpolicy.org )
World, United States, France, Canada, Germany, Angola, Thailand, Australia, Colombia, South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, United Kingdom, India, China
Guns Around the World: Civilian Firearms per 100 People in 16 Nations
Economist
30 April 2008
An estimated 875m small arms are in circulation worldwide: one for every seven people on the planet. Nearly three-quarters of these are owned by civilians. And about 80% of those guns in civilian hands are found in just 30 countries, according to the Small Arms Survey, a research group. Although America accounts for 40% of firearms in civilian ownership, people put them to more deadly use elsewhere. The gun murder rate in Colombia... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Million-rounds-a-minute Gun May Need a War to Get Going
Sydney Morning Herald
26 April 2008
The wannabe ballistics concern Metal Storm still appears to be holding out for the day when people will get serious about packing more fast-firing grenade launchers and M16s. In the eight years since the company listed, the market has failed to recognise the allure of Metal Storm's three-shot grenade launcher and "high explosive, enhance blast and airburst" 40 millimetre munition technology. Sadly, as a consequence, Metal... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Gun Control Laws Did, Did Not Reduce Firearm Homicide, Suicide
ABC Radio (Australia) / PM, Transcript
21 April 2008
LISA MILLAR: The former prime minister, John Howard, recently told an American audience that one of his proudest achievements in office was introducing tougher gun laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. But a new study by researchers from the University of Sydney claims the previous federal government's gun control laws have done nothing to reduce firearm deaths in Australia. Gun control advocates though, disagree. Michael... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
South Australian Police to Get 2000 New Semi-auto Smith & Wesson Pistols
Advertiser (Adelaide)
21 April 2008
South Australia's 2000 frontline police officers will be armed with semi-automatic handguns from June. The state-of-the-art Smith & Wesson M&P (military and police) 40 calibre pistols will be issued to selected officers before being introduced to all patrol and operation police. The trial is not expected to exceed three months, then the semi-automatic pistol will replace the ageing .357 Smith & Wesson revolver as the standard... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Wife, Police Wonder If Australian Hiker Was Shot, Hidden by Deer Hunter
Age (Melbourne)
20 April 2008
The wife of missing hiker Warren Meyer fears he may have been accidentally shot by a deer hunter in the Yarra Ranges National Park and his death covered up. Zee Meyer said local residents had told her deer hunters were active in the remote bushland where her husband disappeared a month ago and there was evidence shots had been fired in the national park on the Easter weekend when her husband vanished. Alexandra CIU Detective... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian State Bans 'Military Style' H&K Rifles Convertible to Semi-auto Fire
Herald Sun (Melbourne)
15 April 2008
Guns that can be easily modified to become lethal semi-automatics will be banned under laws to go before State Parliament today. Ministers believe some military-style weapons are being "detuned" abroad to beat import laws -- then converted back on arrival here. Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon will get the power to declare such guns as category D and E, for use by the military and police only. The State... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Capital Territory Pledges 5-20 Years' Jail for Illegal Gun Owners
ABC News (Australia)
10 April 2008
Gun laws in the ACT are to be strengthened to crackdown on the flow of guns to criminals. The ACT Government has tabled a bill in the Legislative Assembly to increase penalties for firearms offences and to make it harder to obtain a gun licence. Police Minister Simon Corbell says the Territory will fall into line with a national agreement on gun laws. "Making sure that firearms dealers aren't able to employ people... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Soldier Shot Four Relatives Dead, Got 15yrs in Secure Hospital
Sydney Morning Herald / Reuters
10 April 2008
A former soldier who shot dead four members of his family before walking into a police station with a bag of weapons and a homemade bomb was detained on Wednesday for a minimum of 15 years, police said. David Bradley, 41, will serve his sentence in a secure hospital after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Newcastle Crown Court. He shot his uncle, aunt and two cousins through the head... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Lesbians Accuse Australian Pro-Gun Activist Ron Owen of Vilifying Gays
Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
1 April 2008
Controversial gun lobbyist Ron Owen is being taken to court by a group of lesbians who allege he has breached the Anti-Discrimination Act by publicly vilifying gay people. The case, set for hearing from Thursday, could have landmark repercussions based on Mr Owen's use of the Bible, the Koran and the Jewish Torah for his defence, along with a "freedom of speech" defence. The case is being brought by Rachelle Menzies, Tina... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Gun Shop Owner, Dealer Jailed for Illegally Trafficking Handguns
Australian Associated Press
17 March 2008
A former gun shop owner has been jailed for illegally trafficking weapons. Philip John Iselin, 61, pleaded guilty today in the Supreme Court in Brisbane to one count each of trafficking in weapons, possessing weapons and receiving stolen property with a circumstance of aggravation. The court was told Iselin, who owned a Brisbane gun shop for 10 years before weapons laws were tightened, illegally sold 11 pistols between... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Gun Homicide, Gun Theft 'Declined Dramatically' After Australian Gun Laws
Age (Melbourne)
8 March 2008
Victorian police are planning a crackdown on gun owners. They are set to check whether 18,000 of the state's registered gun owners have stored their firearms properly. The crackdown comes as gun-related murders and gun theft have declined dramatically since the gun-law reforms after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. New research by the Australian Institute of Criminology shows that the theft of firearms has dropped 72% since... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
NZ Police Glock Pistols Go Missing After Being Couriered to Police Armoury
New Zealand Herald
8 March 2008
Two police pistols have gone missing while being couriered from north of Auckland to Wellington. The police-issue Glock pistols -- sent from Warkworth station in December -- have not yet reached the police armoury in Wellington. "We can't jump to conclusions here. All we can really say is they are missing," said Inspector Tom Ireland, police operations and projects manager. "Whether they have been misplaced or... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
South Australian Gun Laws Tightened to Curb Armed Gang Violence
ABC News (Australia)
5 March 2008
South Australian police will be given more powers to act against people possessing illegal firearms under new laws announced by the State Government. The legislation is targeted at bikie gangs and violent gun crimes, such as a shooting last year at an Adelaide nightclub. Under the laws, police will have the power to put prohibition orders on people who use unlicensed firearms. A person subject to such an order... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Gun Lobby Gave $458,266 Election Gift to NSW Shooters' Party
Sydney Morning Herald
3 March 2008
The Shooters Party's newest MP, Roy Smith, was executive officer of the Sporting Shooters' Association when the organisation donated $458,266 to the party before the last election. The revelation, in state electoral returns for the past four years, comes as Mr Smith's colleague Robert Brown prepares to sit on a parliamentary inquiry on political donations which is set to sit today. The Government last year voted against... ( gunpolicy.org )
Yemen, Somalia, Australia, Denmark
Australians, Dane Among Gang Smuggling Guns from Yemen to Somalia
Yemen Times
2 March 2008
SANA'A -- Two men, Abdi Othman Soli, 28, a Danish citizen of Somali origin, and Abdullah Awadh Al-Masri, 37, a Yemeni national, were found not guilty this week of smuggling weapons to Somalia in 2006. However, the court gave Al-Masri a three-year prison sentence for other charges such as working with and providing shelter for Al-Qaeda operatives and illegal weapons trading. Among other accusations, the two suspects were tried for... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Proposed Fee Hike to Drive Some Australian Gun Dealers Out of Business
Advertiser (Adelaide)
28 February 2008
Eighty per cent of Central Victoria gun dealers will be driven out of business and attempts by farmers to control vermin will be undermined if recommendations of a licence fee increase are accepted, dealers claim. The Regulatory Impact Statement is part of a State Government draft proposal on changes to firearm regulations recommending lowering some licence fees including rifles by 11 per cent, professional hand guns by 17 per cent,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Deports Australian 'Illegal Immigrant' on Gun Charges
Sydney Morning Herald / AP
21 February 2008
Papua New Guinea authorities have deported an Australian man who was facing charges of firing a gun in a public place. Philip Tan, 41, a Malaysian born in PNG who became an Australian citizen when he was 18, was on Wednesday flown to Brisbane after illegally entering PNG six months ago. Tan, a nightclub manager, was on police bail to appear in court on March 4 for allegedly firing a gun near a car yard in Port Moresby,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tonga
Rising Number of Illegal Weapons, Shooting Spur Gun Amnesty in Tonga
Tonga Broadcasting Commission
20 February 2008
Illegal weapon holders are being given a chance to license or register their firearms and ammunition to the ministry of police. Police authorities are to grant an amnesty to unlawful firearm and ammunition which will come into force on Friday February 15th to 29th of this month. Assistant Police Commander says the recent shooting incident at Kolofo'ou and also the rising numbers of illegal weapons used to commit crime are... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Greens Urge Handgun Ban in Wake of US Campus Shooting
Sydney Morning Herald / AAP
15 February 2008
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown has called for tougher handgun laws after a university shooting in the US. Australia needs tougher controls to prevent a massacre-in-waiting, he warned. He was commenting after five people, including the gunman, were reportedly killed and a total of 17 people were shot at a suburban Chicago university. Senator Brown said early reports suggested a handgun and a long gun were used.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Firearm Buffs, Animal Liberationists Trade Insults at Big Gun Show
Herald Sun (Melbourne)
14 February 2008
There are two kinds of triggers -- the sort that make guns go bang and the emotional kind that ignite volatile and angry reactions. In Wodonga, where 10,000 gun buffs and a noisy handful of their critics turned out last weekend for what was billed as the southern hemisphere's largest hunting expo, both kinds of triggers were pulled over and over again. When the Sport and Leisure Centre was empty, the exhibitors were gone... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Illegal Gun Crackdown, Firearm Theft Prevention Mooted for South Australia
ABC News (Australia)
12 February 2008
The South Australian Opposition has called on the Government to crack down on the number of illegal weapons in the state. The Opposition's police spokesman, David Ridgway, says that criminology data shows about 200 guns were stolen in the state in the year to June 2006. Only 3 per cent of those weapons were recovered by police. While it is not known whether a stolen weapon was used in an apparently bikie-related... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Aussie Gun Collector, Porn Dealer Illegally Sold 24 Guns, Submachine Gun
Advertiser (Adelaide)
10 February 2008
Criminals will laugh at the "grossly inadequate" sentence imposed on an Adelaide porn dealer who sold guns to the Melbourne underworld, a court has heard. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras, QC, today said William Nash should serve more time for selling a police-issue sub-machine gun to the Condello family. He told the Court of Criminal Appeal mobsters and gangsters would "be watching" Nash's six-month sentence... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Tough Anti-gang Gun Laws 'No Threat' to South Australian Firearm Owners
Sunday Mail (Adelaide)
10 February 2008
Changes to South Australia's gun laws aimed squarely at bikie gang members will go before Cabinet tomorrow for a second time. The amendments to the Firearms Act, which were announced in June, have been designed to close loopholes being exploited by gang members when they are caught with handguns. There have been several examples of high-profile gang members escaping conviction after being charged with possession of handguns... ( gunpolicy.org )
India, Australia
17yr-old Australian Girl Dies in India, Shot by Jilted Stalker Turned Rapist
Sydney Morning Herald
5 February 2008
Anandalila "Lila" Slater, the Australian teenager who was raped and shot by a stalker in India three days ago, has died surrounded by her family and friends in India. She died of heart failure resulting from her injuries about 2.15am (7.45am AEDT) in the Indian holy city of Vrindavan, where she had been brought after doctors said they could not remove the bullet that had lodged in her brain. "[The family] was hoping to... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Cop Allegedly Stole Police Glock, Swapped Pistol for Surfboards
Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
4 February 2008
A Gold Coast policeman who allegedly stole a police handgun and swapped it for surfboards has been charged and stood down from duty. Senior Constable Christopher Curtin is accused of stealing the Glock pistol from a gun safe at the Surfers Paradise police station in March 2001. Police internal investigators allegedly found two surfboards at his Gold Coast hinterland home last month. Curtin appeared in Southport... ( gunpolicy.org )
India, Australia
Indian Stalker Shoots 17yr-old Australian Girl near Agra, Then Kills Himself
Sydney Morning Herald
3 February 2008
NEW DELHI -- The Indian gunman had been stalking Lila for years. Several days ago, her mother says, he sexually assaulted the 17-year-old Australian at gunpoint in the family home in the Hindu pilgrimage town of Vrindavan in the state of Uttar Pradesh. He returned in the early hours of Saturday and threatened family members with his pistol. Then he confronted Anandalila "Lila" Salter and shot her three times before shooting himself... ( gunpolicy.org )
India, Australia
Jilted Indian Man Uses Dad's Handgun to Shoot 17yr-old Australian Girl
Telegraph (Calcutta)
2 February 2008
LUCKNOW -- A jilted young man, still in love with an Australian devotee of Krishna, shot and critically injured her in the land of leela and then blew his head off after an early-morning showdown today. Police said Saurav Singh burst into 26-year-old Anna Leela Judy's Vrindavan flat, accused her of "playing" with his life and then fired at her from a revolver. "We have studied the cellphone records of both Leela and Saurav.... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
New Zealand Police Say Black Market for Guns is 'Miniscule, Not a Problem'
NewsTalkZB (Auckland)
31 January 2008
Police say many illegal firearms are being rented or borrowed from secret stockpiles but they believe the black market for guns is miniscule and not a problem. Two men have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following Tuesday night's gun fight which broke out when a gang of armed youths turned up to a tinny house on Othello Drive, in the Auckland suburb of Flat Bush. Another two men are recovering in hospital from... ( gunpolicy.org )
Palau
Possession of a Handgun Gets Man 12½ Years in US Protectorate of Palau
ABC Radio Australia (Pacific shortwave)
31 January 2008
The full weight of Palau's ban on all hand guns and rifles has been enforced with the sentenced of a man to 12-and-a-half years in jail for possession of a firearm. Inis Remoket pleaded guilty to possessing the weapon and ammunition after being arrested in July last year. The court heard there was an incident at a bar where it's alleged Remoket taunted another customer with a hand gun, which he later threw away when police... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tonga
Tongan Gunman Shot, Killed Former Employer, Then Self with .22 Rifle
Tonga Broadcasting Commission
28 January 2008
Police have identified the gunman who allegedly shot a business woman at Kolofo'ou last week. Acting Police Commander Taniela Faletau identified the assailant as Sefanaia Palelei, 33, of Halaleva. Palelei who shot Mosimani Helu last Monday was a former employee at Mrs Helu's shop. The assailant is alleged to have entered Mosimani's complex with a bag where the .22 rifle was hidden and shot her former boss before shooting... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tonga
In Tonga, 'Almost Unknown' Gun Murder-suicide Rocks Pacific Island Nation
Radio Australia (Pacific shortwave)
22 January 2008
Tonga's acting police commissioner says the shooting of two people in a murder-suicide has shocked the country. A prominent Nukualofa businesswoman, Mosimani Helu died in hospital yesterday from a gunshot wound to the head. Police say the body of a man was found in her backyard. The motive for the shooting is still not known. However, the local media quotes a neighbour as saying the alleged gunman worked as a security... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tonga
Murder/Suicide Shooting Spurs Tongan Police to Attempt Gun Crackdown
Tonga Broadcasting Commission
22 January 2008
Any person found to be carrying unregistered arms or ammunition with intend to commit offence are liable to be imprisoned not more than 12 years jail terms. This was highlighted by the Acting Police Commander Taniela Faletau in amid concerns that illegal possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition in the country. The Acting Police Commander's comment came when police confirmed that the rifle used to shot a business... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
New Zealanders' Growing Interest in Guns and Shooting 'Healthy,' Say Police
Dominion Post (Wellington)
16 January 2008
More New Zealanders are arming themselves with firearms licences for sport, recreation and pest control, showing what police believe is a healthy attitude toward gun use. Police figures issued to The Dominion Post under the Official Information Act show that about 16,000 people got firearms licences for the first time in the past two years -- up from 5320 in 2002. Police national manager of firearms licensing and vetting... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Gun Dealer Caught With 380 Unregistered Firearms - 1000 Seized
Sydney Morning Herald
1 January 2008
A World War II machine-gun and tank mortar, crossbows, semi-automatic weapons and fireworks are among a cache of 380 unregistered firearms uncovered during a two-day search of a 100-hectare property at Peel, near Bathurst, police revealed yesterday. As part of the operation, which involved more than 30 officers from several crime commands and special operations teams, police seized 604 guns from a dealership in Bathurst and suspended... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
1000 Weapons, Machine Guns Taken from Licensed Australian Gun Dealer
Herald Sun (Melbourne)
31 December 2007
Police have seized almost 1000 firearms and other weapons in raids on a gun dealership and a rural property in Bathurst, New South Wales, as police investigate a gun dealer over an alleged domestic violence incident. The guns were seized on Friday as police executed a search warrant. It is believed police applied for the warrant because the 59-year-old firearm dealer was the subject of a domestic violence report on Thursday. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Universal Gun Registration in Australia Brings Sharp Decrease in Gun Thefts
Herald Sun (Melbourne) / AAP
24 December 2007
The latest figures show about 1500 guns a year are stolen in Australia, and authorities fear many of them will be used to commit more crimes. The Australian Institute of Criminology also revealed that about one-third of gun owners who were victims of theft in the year to June 2006 had failed to store their guns securely. In a new report, Firearms Theft in Australia 2005-06, the federal agency said 1445 firearms were stolen... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Licensed Gun Collector Ran Black Market Gun Trade, Say NZ Police
TVNZ News
19 December 2007
A Coromandel gun collector is to stand trial for allegedly running a black market gun operation. John Mabey claimed more than 120 weapons were stolen from his Coromandel home. He says he was burgled in July and burglars took 113 pistols, a couple of semi-automatic rifles and half a dozen machine guns. But police investigating the break-in suspected a scam. In a transcript of a police interview, a detective tells... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Some Australian Farmers Angry About Proposed Handgun Ban
ABC News (Australia)
19 December 2007
The WA Farmers Federation is concerned that stricter gun regulation could disadvantage farmers. The police service is reviewing the state's Firearms Act and is calling for public submissions by the end of the week. The Federation's Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker says farmers have been granted an extension on the submission period, until the end of January. He says guns are an important tool for farmers and... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
New Zealand Gun Dealer Charged Over Fight with Airport Customs Officer
Sunday News (New Zealand)
16 December 2007
New Zealand's biggest firearms dealer has been charged with assaulting a Customs officer after a fracas at Auckland International Airport. Christchurch gun shop owner David Tipple was involved in the altercation in July, after his laptop was seized by Customs officials as he was returning from a business trip in Europe. Police allege he assaulted the officer while trying to get the computer back. But Tipple last... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia, United States
Australians Like American Culture, But 85% Disapprove of Lax US Gun Laws
Reuters
10 December 2007
CANBERRA -- Australians overwhelmingly like American culture, arts and freedoms, but have growing concerns about the country's lack of gun control and social equality, a survey released on Monday said. The report by the respected United States Studies Centre at Sydney University found that while Australians had become more knowledgeable about the U.S. they were losing faith in policy makers' ability to tackle social and economic... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
Another Glock Pistol Turns Up from NZ Firearm Collector's 121 'Stolen' Guns
New Zealand Herald / NZPA
4 December 2007
Police say they have recovered another pistol from a large collection of guns allegedly sold by a Coromandel collector on the black market. The Glock automatic pistol was found in a bag by a man who stopped his car on State Highway 25, near Thames on Friday. A sawn-off shotgun was found nearby. "Operation Might" head Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Nicholls said the pistol was one of 121 restricted weapons police allege... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Owners of Illicit Guns in Papua New Guinea Suggest Buyback, Death Penalty
National (Port Moresby)
23 November 2007
Gun-related problems in the country will continue to stay unless the National Government introduces a "buy-back gun policy" or impose death penalty in the country. Dokta Puk, who claimed to represent 100 criminals and ordinary villagers with guns in the Western Highlands province, who are willing to come out with their guns to assist police in the province, said the current laws were too lenient. Mr Puk said unless the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Police Seize Licensed Owner's 'Arsenal' in Gun Smuggling Raid
Australian Associated Press
14 November 2007
A large cache of weapons and ammunition has been seized by police in a raid on a Gold Coast home today. Australian Customs investigators and police found 35 legally-held military firearms, three unregistered bolt-action rifles, one military SLR assault rifle, a Skorpion machine pistol, a crossbow pistol and a "substantial amount" of ammunition. All the weapons were being incorrectly stored in a garage at the unit complex,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
In Light of Finnish, US Shootings, Australian PM's Gun Ban Was a Godsend
Gold Coast News (Queensland), Editorial
9 November 2007
Prime Minister John Howard understood perfectly, back in 1996, why Australia had to ban guns from most households. With the grief of the Port Arthur massacre still washing through the nation, the PM seized the opportunity to take firearms away from those who didn't really need them. His legislation cost Australia more than $500 million in a guns buy-back scheme and resulted in more than 650,000 weapons being taken out of the hands... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Gun Control Coalition Urges Ban on Toy Firearms
National (Port Moresby)
7 November 2007
The National Government has been called upon to ban the import and sale of toy guns in the country. And there should be stricter monitoring systems in place, especially at the international borders. The recommendations on the gun report by the guns control committee headed by Maj-Gen (retired) Jerry Singirok had already been accepted by the National Government but needed to be tabled in Parliament. Vavine Gabi,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Main Papua New Guinea Newspaper Pushes for Gun Control, Toy Gun Ban
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
6 November 2007
Supermarkets, department stores and trade stores throughout Papua New Guinea sell all kinds of toy guns, pistols, bombs and other types of war weapons. These are not real weapons but replicas. Parents looking for cheap presents for their male children happily spend a few kina buying these for the children to play with at home. Although this may amount to nothing serious, it does raise an issue about the kind of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Coalition for Gun Control Calls on Govt to Ban Toy Guns for Christmas
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
6 November 2007
The Government has been called on to stop the importation of toy guns and all forms of miniature weapons. The chairman of the Coalition To Stop Gun Violence (PNG), Oseah Philemon, told reporters yesterday that the body he heads and supported by many Papua New Guineans was trying to stop gun violence and yet children were encouraged to use toy guns which were available in shops through out the country. Mr Philemon appealed... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
NZ Navy Officer, Licensed Collector 'Conspired to Sell' Stolen Navy Guns
Sunday Star Times (New Zealand)
4 November 2007
A senior Navy officer has been charged with conspiring to sell two military style semi-automatic rifles to undercover police. The man's home was raided in December as part of a major police operation which involved the seizure of at least 800 weapons from collectors and dealers in the Waikato and Auckland. More than 140 items were seized from the man's house. Most were firearms and ammunition he was licensed to... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Psychiatrist Caught Taking Gun Into Court 'Feared Former Wife'
Age (Melbourne)
24 October 2007
A Prahran psychiatrist built up a cache of weapons including two guns, an electric cattle prod and a speargun at his home because he feared he and his wife were going to be killed, a court has heard. Police found the weapons at Dr Jerry Gelb's former Armadale home after the 49-year-old tried to take an unregistered .22 Ruger pistol and 49 rounds of ammunition into the Melbourne Magistrates Court in February, the County Court heard... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Aussie Serial Killer's Sister-in-law Runs for Senator on Pro-gun Platform
Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
23 October 2007
Serial killer Ivan Milat's sister-in-law is running on a Senate ticket of relaxing gun laws and claimed the psychopath's horrendous crimes were water under the bridge. Ms Milat who married the jailed serial killer's brother Walter, is one of 35 candidates running for the Liberty and Democracy Party -- a party which supports nuclear power, lower taxes, euthanasia and opposes criminalising victimless crime. Ms Milat, who... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
I Wanted UN Ambassadors to Know How It Felt When My Mother Was Shot
Control Arms Weblog (New York), Web Page
23 October 2007
My name is Vavine Gabi and I have flown thousands of miles from my country to tell UN delegates about my experience of armed violence. My mother was shot dead in front of me eight years ago, just after my sixteenth birthday. She has been in my thoughts every day since then, but I felt her presence particularly strongly yesterday, as I prepared to give a speech to urge states to push for a strong ATT. The event I spoke at was organized... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
NZ Police Raids on Gun Collectors Throw Spotlight on Troubled Fraternity
Waikato Times
20 October 2007
A Hamilton gun enthusiast strokes the handle of his Smith and Wesson 44 calibre pistol. The gun looks just like something out of an old cowboy film and dates to the pre-1900 American wild west days. How many hands have held this gun over all those years? Images of cowboys -- maybe even gunfighters -- come to mind. He passes it to the Waikato Times reporter to hold before carefully placing it back in its sturdy lockup -- an ex-bank safe.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Scaled-down Belt Buckle 'Gun' Sparks Police Emergency in Australian Bank
Advertiser (Adelaide)
19 October 2007
A man entered a city bank branch with a belt buckle shaped like a small handgun today sparking a large-scale security alert involving armed police. Amid fears a gunman was on the loose, 15 STAR Group officers cornered the alleged offender as he exited the Adelaide Bank building lift about 11.30am. A female employee in the building had alerted management to the man after she saw "a handgun" tucked down his pants as they... ( gunpolicy.org )
New Zealand
116 Handguns, Machine Guns Still Missing in 'Theft' from Licensed Collector
New Zealand Herald / NZPA
18 October 2007
Most of the large arsenal of weapons missing from a Coromandel gun collector's safe have still not been found. Police said yesterday no one offered to return the guns under an amnesty that would have allowed them to do so without being charged. They believe the guns are still in the hands of criminals. Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Nicholls of Hamilton said it was not known if any of the weapons recovered during... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Former Army Boss Warns Gun Violence 'Out of Hand' in Papua New Guinea
National (Port Moresby)
17 October 2007
Former PNGDF chief Major Jerry Singirok, who is also the chairman of the Guns Committee, said "gun violence" is getting out of hand in many PNG societies today. While stressing this, he called on the Government to seriously look into addressing the issue before it becomes a norm in most societies. Major Singirok (retired) said there had been a significant rise of "gun violence" in PNG and many women, especially young girls... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Gun Control Coalition Urges Politicians, Leaders to Give Up Their Guns
National (Port Moresby)
17 October 2007
Leaders, especially politicians who have guns have been called on to lead by example and surrender their guns in response to the campaign against guns violence launched early this year. The call was made by members of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence in Papua New Guinea during a press conference held in Port Moresby last week. The group, which is made up of women groups, help organisations, NGOs, church organisations,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, United Nations
I Watched a Gunman Shoot My Mother: PNG Survivor Lobbies at the UN
Age (Melbourne), Opinion
16 October 2007
My suitcase packed and airport taxi booked, I checked my wallet once again. I flicked through my passport with its newly stamped visa for the United States and the accompanying letter. It was addressed to Miss Vavine Gabi and invited me to attend the UN First Committee on Disarmament in New York. My task was to lobby diplomats from the Pacific region as they prepared to draft an international treaty on the arms trade. I would be... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Prosecutions Boss Suggests Banning All Guns in South Australia
Australian Associated Press
16 October 2007
South Australia's outspoken Director of Public Prosecutions has stirred further controversy by proposing a blanket ban on private gun ownership. Stephen Pallaras QC yesterday acknowledged that this would spell the end of gun clubs and other sporting shooting groups but said it was in the interest of public safety. He flagged the ban as police stepped up the investigation into a weekend shooting outside an Adelaide nightclub... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
South Australia Rejects 'Unrealistic' Total Ban on Gun Ownership
Herald Sun (Melbourne) / AAP
16 October 2007
The South Australian Government has rejected calls for a total ban on gun ownership across the state. Police Minister Paul Holloway and Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said a total ban would disadvantage sporting shooters and farmers. They said the Government had already increased penalties for illegal gun use and gun-related crime was not on the rise. Yesterday Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Adelaide Shootings: South Australia's Public Prosecutor Mulls Total Gun Ban
Brisbane Times / AAP
15 October 2007
A total ban on guns in South Australia has been suggested by the state's top prosecutor after a weekend shooting, and reports of shots being fired in Adelaide's retail district. As police continued to investigate both incidents, and a man remains in hospital in a critical condition, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras conceded a total prohibition on all firearms was an optimistic aim. "I'm reluctant to totally... ( gunpolicy.org )
Guam
Guam Police Officer, SWAT Team Member Charged with Theft of Guns
Pacific Daily News (Guam)
15 October 2007
A Guam Police Department SWAT officer has been indicted in the Superior Court of Guam on numerous charges in connection with the theft of guns. According to court documents, Kenneth Castro allegedly sold a number of firearms that belonged to someone else and stored them in the police department's armory. GPD spokesman Officer Allan Guzman said that Castro is still with the department and back on the job after serving his... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Violence in PNG: UN Hears Local Woman Who Saw Mother Shot Dead
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
15 October 2007
In the past week, we have witnessed the tabling of a petition in Parliament protesting against violence inflicted upon women. And we have witnessed the total lack of a meaningful response from the newly elected Government. That can hardly be surprising -- the parties that have formed the loose coalition that now leads Papua New Guinea nominated less than a dozen women to contest 80-plus seats in Parliament. Why... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia
Australian Dad Leaves Gun Loaded, 5yr-old Boy Shoots 7yr-old Sister
Sun-Herald (Sydney)
14 October 2007
A policeman drove an ambulance as medics worked to save the life of a seven-year-old girl shot by her little brother on a remote farm. The girl was shot through the chest by her five-year-old brother at the property outside Bonshaw, on the NSW side of the Queesland border. She was airlifted to the Mater Children's Hospital in Brisbane where she was in a serious but stable condition last night. Police said the girl... ( gunpolicy.org )
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