The BBC is being a bit misleading with their reporting.
While 26,000 firearms have been “turned-in”, that does not mean that 26,000 firearms were destroyed.
In this amnesty, people can “turn-in” firearms to be legally registered, if they have a license; or they can turn them in to be sold by a gun shop.
Of the guns “turned-in” in the first half of the amenesty in New South Wales (6,400) 4,000 were registered. The BBC does not mention firearms that were registered under the amnesty. It seems likely they simply included them as part of the number “turned-in”.
It may be that 60% of those “turned-in” were just registered to legal owners.
Hardly the first time that has happened.
Of the guns “turned-in” in the first half of the amenesty in New South Wales (6,400) 4,000 were registered. The BBC does not mention firearms that were registered under the amnesty. It seems likely they simply included them as part of the number “turned-in”.
I'm glad, but I'm honestly surprised the number is that high. The registration process is bureaucratic enough that I didn't think that many people would bother. Glad to hear it though.