Gun amnesty to roll out in 2017 as Adler import ban remains in place

The states have agreed to a firearms amnesty next year, allowing unregistered guns to be handed in without fear of prosecution.

Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan told reporters in Melbourne today the states would implement the amnesty using their own separate processes.

Mr Keenan said the states had not been able to reach a consensus on the Adler A-110 shotgun's reclassification.

"There is a majority view amongst all the jurisdictions, but the reality is on a national agreement you do need unanimous agreement from all of the jurisdictions to move forward," he told reporters in Melbourne.

"The council has committed to continuing to have that conversation."

The import ban on the shotgun would remain in place until a consensus could be reached, Mr Keenan said.