Rockliff Government Stalls on Promised Firearms Reform

Failure to table gun safety legislation leaves Tasmanians vulnerable as parliamentary break looms.

In January, the Premier committed to bringing legislation to this parliament to keep Tasmanians safe from gun violence but was unwilling to include caps on firearms.

Earlier this week, the Victorian Government tabled the report from the Rapid Review of Victoria’s Firearms Laws by highly respected former Victorian Police Commissioner Ken Lay AO APM which recommended the Victorian Government consider introducing a cap of 4 firearms per licence holder.

Despite public concern this month recognising domestic and family violence, the continued rise in gun violence and gun-related offences in recent years, and a recent spate of public shootings in this state, it would seem firearms reform is no longer a priority for the Rockliff government because no legislation has been tabled. 

Perhaps the Premier is fearful that the will of parliament is to amend this legislation to impose a cap on firearms for licence holders. Clearly, introducing a cap is something he is unwilling to do. Further, when I asked him when he would table this legislation, he was not able to give a time frame. 

There is only one more sitting week before the parliament breaks until August.

It’s time for the Premier to show some courage and keep his commitment to the Tasmanian public and promptly introduce his legislation to the parliament to keep us safer from rampant gun violence before the next shooting occurs.