The discovery of a secret underground bunker in Perth contributed to the Western Australia government to outlaw high-powered firearms, some capable of penetrating police body armour.
The bunker was discovered in High Wycombe last year but today is the first time we are seeing the sophisticated concealment, hidden under a rug and lounge.
When the bunker's door opened, the lounge lifted to reveal a set of stairs that led down to a shooting range with "an arsenal of very high-powered firearms being incorrectly stored".
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Former professional fighter David Letizia has already pleaded guilty to firearm related charges. He was fined and lost his firearms licence.
"Unbelievably, the worst offence this individual has allegedly committed is failing to apply to the local council for approval to build the bunker and underground shooting range," WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said.
"That's how outdated and weak our 50-year-old firearms laws are here in WA, and that's why the Western Australian Police Force have asked us to completely overhaul them."
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"Why he needed that many high-powered rifles in a secret underground shooting range is beyond me."
The ban will come into effect on July 1, 2023, and will outlaw firearms and ammunition designed to shoot over long ranges.
There are 56 types of guns and 19 calibres of ammunition that will be illegal.
The 248 licensed firearms currently registered in Western Australia, will have to be disposed of before then.
Papalia said the weapons were designed to hunt large animals we don't have in the country.
Some of these weapons are powerful enough to penetrate WA Police armoured vehicles.
"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," Acting WA Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said.
Premier Mark McGowan will fund a buyback scheme for the firearms, purchasing them from their owners at their current market value.
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"This reform is part of my Government's commitment to overhaul WA's 50-year-old gun laws and make sure community safety comes first," he said.
"The Western Australian Police Force has informed me there is no practical need for these specific very high-powered firearms in WA."
Firearm owners can surrender their weapons at the nearest police station.
