Australians have handed in nearly 26,000 firearms in the nation's first gun amnesty since its landmark response to a mass shooting in 1996. The amnesty began on 1st July to help counter a growing terrorism threat and an influx of arms in the country. It is illegal to own an unregistered firearm in Australia. <br/><br/>Those caught outside the amnesty period face fines of up to 280,000 Australian dollars and up to 14 years in jail. The current programme, running until 30th of this month, means Australians can surrender unregistered firearms and related items without fear of prosecution.<br/>Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the great result so far would make the nation safer.<br/>'<br/>Police estimate that there are as many as 260,000 illicit guns in Australia, with some used in organised crime as well as recent terror incidents.