NCJ Number
178570
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes international strategies aimed at reducing the trafficking of small firearms into Australia and Australian government initiatives introduced to reduce the number of illicit firearms and access to them and thus to reduce firearm-related violence.
Abstract
Regulations established in 1998 define small arms as any firearm that is .50 caliber or less. Small arms are traded through international, regional, and national channels. Legal methods include government-to-government transfers, commercial sales, private importation, private sales, and sales on behalf of club members. Illegal trade includes clandestine military operations, black market sales, and gray market sales. The black market in Australia is mostly divided into criminal gangs whose main focus is crimes other than dealing in firearms or into small networks of individuals who buy and sell by word of mouth. Australia is a signatory to the Hague Convention Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, 1907. United Nations units, the World Bank, the Southern Africa Development Cooperation Organization, and the Organization of American States have all undertaken initiatives to address gun trafficking. The state and territory governments in Australia have agreed on 10 resolutions to promote nationwide gun control. Australia also implemented the recommendation of the Australian Police Ministers' Council (APMC) for the Australian Firearms Buyback and Amnesty. APMC resolutions have also established five firearms license categories. The Australian government has also tightened restrictions on firearms imports. Preliminary data suggest that the importation of illegal firearms has substantially decreased, although the impact on firearm-related violence is not yet known. Table, note, and 2 references