Tasmania’s proposed laws affect licensing, penalties for offences and the introduction of a firearms register. Photo: Jordi Tudela.
The Tasmanian Government is planning reforms to firearms-related criminal offences, with the proposals now open for public consultation.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said the move to deliver the National Firearms Register would strengthen state police powers to share information on firearms in almost real time across Tasmania, coordinating with other states.
“The Bondi terrorist attack showed the devastating consequences of a failure to share intelligence across jurisdictions and agencies,” Mr Ellis said.
“These reforms are about making sure the right information is available to law enforcement when they are making decisions about who should have access to firearms.
“Our reforms put criminals on notice, with mandatory prison terms for firearms theft and possession of a stolen firearm.”
The reforms are aimed at reducing the power of the black market, damaging organised crime and keeping the community safe.
An important planned feature is the introduction of a minimum mandatory sentence of three months for firearm theft and possession of a stolen firearm.
Other measures include the reclassification of straight pull and button/lever release (self-ejecting) centre-fire and shotgun firearms to Category C licensing restrictions, making them more difficult to obtain.
Additionally, Australian citizenship will be a requirement for firearms ownership, with appropriate carveouts.
“Tasmania was clear from the outset that we would consult with our communities on evidence-based firearms laws rather than rush through a knee-jerk reaction,” Mr Ellis said.
“This is an important opportunity for everyday Tasmanians to now have their say. We welcome submissions and we will continue to genuinely listen as we craft these laws.”
The government promised to compensate at 1.5 times the market value for the firearms being reclassified.
“The Federal Government announced the buyback six months ago; however, there have been no significant updates since then,” Mr Ellis said.
“Our focus is on keeping firearms out of the hands of terrorists and criminals, not penalising law-abiding licence holders.”
Information on submissions for the consultation period, which closes at 5 pm on Friday, 7 August, can be found online.
