Australia Collects Nearly 30,000 Guns in Second Gun Amnesty

As its national three-month gun amnesty initiative draws to a close, Australia has collected more than 28,000 unregistered weapons.

Though totals are still being finalized, the current standings, according to Business Insider, show Tasmania with 1,924 relinquished weapons; Western Australia with 1,242; the Northern Territory with approximately 320; New South Wales with 14,446; Queensland with 7,000; Victoria with 2,150; South Australia with 1,338; and the Australian Capital Territory with 264.

The process, which began July 1 and concluded September 30, gave Australians the chance to surrender unregistered weapons without the fear of prosecution. However, for those who wanted to come clean, but keep their weapons, a chance to register guns was offered. Those wishing to register, however, were required to give a "genuine reason" to possess the firearm, Insider reported.

The outlet added that personal protection does not qualify as a valid reason to obtain a gun.