From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Sunday Mail Adelaide New blitz on lethal weapons by Peter Michael 22oct00 South Australians will be forced to surrender a broad range of lethal weapons, or face hefty fines or jail, under a tough new crackdown on street violence. Weapons to be outlawed will include combat knives, knuckledusters, pistol crossbows, ninja claws and tear gas. A brief amnesty will be granted to owners of prohibited weapons under the Statewide handback, due to be officially announced next month. According to highly-sensitive details leaked to the Sunday Mail, the new laws are expected to be effective from the end of the year. Premier John Olsen, in Hong Kong, yesterday refused to elaborate on the radical laws. But he confirmed the State Government had been working with key stakeholders to toughen up legislation dealing with prohibited weapons. He said the new laws would send a strong message that carrying offensive weapons was "absolutely unacceptable". "There is a real and genuine concern about the carrying of weapons by both the police and our community," he said. "There is no excuse why people should be carrying these types of lethal weapons in public. These new laws will give certainty to our police officers that the possession of these weapons without legitimate reason is against the law." An intensive public education campaign will begin in November, outlining the details of the moratorium and the new laws. Police will also undergo special training to help cope with their implementation.It is understood owners will have to surrender all weapons on the prohibited list or face maximum fines of $10,000 or two years' jail. The Government is shortly due to finalise the details of the moratorium, including the start date, the length, and how the amnesty will work. However, it is understood police stations will be the focal point for the handback. For the first time in South Australia, the new laws will create a category of prohibited weapons to clearly outlaw weapons designed to kill or injure. Only limited exemptions will be offered and are likely to include police, collectors and museum operators. There will be three categories of weapons laws. The new category of prohibited weapons will include an outright ban on the manufacture, dealing and possession of any prohibited weapons unless exempt. The other new category includes dangerous articles such as bayonet, blowguns and capsicum spray, with a ban on selling, buying or possession without lawful excuse. The existing category is the offensive weapons law, where it is illegal to carry swords, knives or clubs in a threatening way. -- "handback"? Did the State distribute them in the first place? Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
