NSW: ACC first task force to be on handguns; Costa

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NSW: ACC first task force to be on handguns; Costa

By Rebecca Glenn

SYDNEY, Aug 9 AAP - The first task force under Australia's new crime-fighting bodywould address the problem of illegal handguns, NSW Police Minister Michael Costa announcedtoday.

State and territory police ministers today struck a deal with the federal governmenton a model for the Australian Crime Commission (ACC).

The new body will incorporate the functions of the existing National Crime Authority(NCA), the Office of Strategic Crime Assessments (OSCA) and the Australian Bureau of CriminalInvestigations.

As well as in-house investigative capacities, the ACC would participate in task forceswith other law enforcement agencies.

Mr Costa said NSW would be a part of the commission's first task force.

"NSW has agreed to participate in the first task force under this new body and thattask force will have a reference to deal with illegal handguns."

In announcing an agreement on a framework for the ACC, federal Justice Minister ChrisEllison said its priorities would be decided by the board, not politicians.

The board would be made up of police commissioners around the country, customs, ASIOand ASIC, he said.

Mr Costa said he believed the task force on illegal handguns would have the support of the board.

"I don't think there's any doubt that illegal handguns are a serious problem.

"I don't think any of our commissioners would dispute that fact, I don't think there'sgoing to be any issue in relation to that reference."

AAP rcg/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: CRIME COSTA