Any Australian holding an unregistered or unwanted firearm will be able to hand it over to police from July 1 without being penalised.
The national amnesty announced by the federal government aims to remove weapons from the community that could fall into the hands of criminals.
New South Wales minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliot said:
“During NSW’s last gun amnesty in 2017, more than 26,00Sugges0 firearms, parts and accessories were surrendered for destruction or registered, and I am sure the success of the program will continue through the permanent amnesty.
“Our strong gun control is one of Australia’s proudest achievements, and the introduction of the permanent amnesty builds on the policies and legacy set in place by John Howard in 1996.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Jason Wood said on Thursday:
"Unregistered firearms are a threat to our community.
"They are difficult to trace and can fall into the hands of criminals to commit terrible crimes while avoiding police detection."
Anyone holding an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item can surrender it to a police station, anonymously and without penalty, for registration, sale, or destruction.
Licensed firearms dealers will also be able to accept surrendered firearms in most states and territories.
Assistant Minister Wood said:
"If you have an unregistered firearm and you want to keep it, hand it in and see if you can register it.
"If you don't want to keep your firearm, hand it in.
“Your community will thank you."
But if a person does not surrender an unregistered firearm and is found holding one, they could be prosecuted.
The last national firearms amnesty in 2017 resulted in more than 57,000 weapons being handed in across Australia.
This amnesty will be permanent, the government said, but no compensation for surrendered weapons will be paid.
Police advise that people surrendering weapons to the police or a dealer should call ahead and deliver the items in a bag or other covering, unloaded.
The amnesty includes:
Gel blasters - toy guns that look a lot like real guns that fire gel balls. Western Australia will ban these weapons from Saturday.
Illegal accessories - silencers, ammunition and other parts are included.
Faulty firearms and parts, and
Licensed firearms
Whilst crossbows are not specifically included, the NSW government advised owners to contact local police to arrange surrender.