The Police Minister says a new law change will give Police another tool to combat gun crime.

The Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament overnight.

It means anyone with a serious conviction like murder, serious assault or sexual violence can be banned from having a gun, or being in places where guns are likely to be, for ten years.

Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking the new law will give police the powers to follow up with offenders.

He says if offenders are around firearms or possessing firearms, then police have an extra power they can use to prevent further offending.

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