**Title: New WA Gun Laws Prompt Cross-Border Firearm Transfers**

Thousands of firearms are being transferred to interstate gun shops as owners seek to comply with Western Australia’s stringent new gun laws. These regulations, enacted by the state’s Labor government in June 2022, have led to an unexpected dispersal of weapons across state lines. While some firearm owners have surrendered their weapons, others have reportedly passed them to friends or sold them outside of Western Australia’s jurisdiction.

The new laws impose strict limits on gun ownership. Farmers and competitive shooters can own a maximum of 10 firearms, while recreational hunters are limited to five. Additionally, all license applicants must complete mandatory training, and existing gun owners are required to undergo regular health assessments and adhere to new storage protocols.

Premier Roger Cook emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures, stating, "I’m unapologetic for our approach which strengthens gun controls and enhances public safety. We’ve seen the devastating consequences resulting from the misuse of firearms in our community."

The legislation also includes provisions for mandatory license disqualification for serious offenders, including those convicted of domestic violence. These measures were introduced following a tragic incident in which a man killed his ex-wife and her daughter before taking his own life. The shooter, who owned 13 firearms, had been previously reported to authorities by family members concerned about his weapon collection.

Bevan Steele, president of the WA Firearms Traders Association, described the impact of the new regulations on the firearms trade as "smashed." He noted that many owners are now seeking markets for their collections in eastern states or are relocating to avoid the restrictions. The WA government has proposed a buyback program, but Steele criticized it for undervaluing more expensive firearms.

In a surprise move just before Christmas, the government announced a ban on lever-release firearms, which allow for quicker reloading than traditional bolt-action guns. This decision caught many dealers off guard, as they had recently stocked up on these weapons. Steele remarked, "There were guys getting licenses granted in December then getting told two weeks later, 'you can’t have that gun on your license anymore.'"

The cross-border transfer of firearms has raised concerns in the Northern Territory, where dealers report an influx of guns without clear ownership. Grant Hatcher, president of the Northern Territory Firearms Council, stated, "We’ve ended up with a safe full of guns that have no final destination and it messed up our storage a bit."

Despite the initial chaos, the situation has stabilized as dealers in the Northern Territory have begun coordinating with their Western Australian counterparts to ensure firearms are sent only when a final purchaser is identified. However, many owners in WA are still trying to offload their firearms, often finding the cost of shipping prohibitive.

A letter from the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia WA criticized the short notice given for the new ownership rules, stating that many members were forced to sell their lever-release firearms at a loss. The letter also accused the WA Police firearms licensing agency of negligence for collecting fees while knowing certain firearms would soon be banned.

The WA government maintains that these reforms are necessary for community safety, aiming to reduce firearm-related tragedies. A report from a firearms committee is expected soon, and Police Minister Reece Whitby has pledged to consider its recommendations thoroughly. Meanwhile, the WA Nationals party has called for a delay in implementing the new laws, arguing that over 90,000 law-abiding citizens are struggling to understand the regulations. They warn that firearm owners could face criminal penalties due to confusion over poorly communicated laws.