Police Minister Paul Whelan said the amnesty bolstered new laws to target those involved in the illegal gun trade.

“This is part of the Government’s strategy to reduce the number of dangerous weapons in the community,” Mr Whelan said.

“With the announcement of the amnesty we are giving people with illegal guns a chance. If you have an illegal firearm - hand it in. If you have a licence - make sure all your firearms are properly registered.

“If you don’t you could be facing up to 14 years in jail. Either get registered, get a firearms licence or hand in your weapons.”

Police Commissioner Peter Ryan said the new laws sent a strong message to the community.

“NSW leads the way with its efforts to curb the trade in illegal weapons and these laws show that we are serious about tackling gun crime,” he said.

“I would urge people to take full advantage of the amnesty and hand in any illegally held guns now, before they fall foul of the law,” he said.

During the amnesty period, which runs from June 29 until September 29, people will be able to hand in to police firearms which are illegally in their possession. Licence holders will also be able to register any unregistered guns they have, as long as those guns are in the same category as their licence.

The amnesty is being introduced to highlight the Firearms Amendment (Trafficking) Act, which will apply from July 1, 2001.

The new legislation will increase the maximum penalty for the illegal possession of a pistol or prohibited firearm from 10 to 14 years.

The Bill introduces a number of other tough measures, including:

* Making it illegal to supply or take part in the supply of firearms to any person not authorised to use firearms (maximum penalty of 20 years in jail).

* Making it illegal for a licensed firearm dealer to wilfully record false details in firearms transactions (maximum penalty of 14 years in jail).

* Compulsory registration of firearm frames, to curb the illegal trade in firearm parts.

Further information can be obtained from the Firearms Amnesty Information Line on 1300 557 772.