New Tasmanian laws aim to move certain firearms into stricter ownership categories. Photo: Jordi Tudela.
Tasmania has tabled a bill to bolster firearms security and improve community safety.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis said the Firearms Amendment (Strengthening Firearms Security) Bill would keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and terrorists.
“The legislation supports implementation of the National Firearms Register in Tasmania, strengthening law enforcement and intelligence agencies’ ability to share critical information in near-real time across jurisdictions,” Mr Ellis said.
“Stolen firearms also fuel the black market, empower organised crime and put our community at risk.
“We are getting the balance right, with the bill introducing tough new mandatory sentences for the theft and possession of stolen firearms. If you steal a firearm, or you’re caught with a stolen firearm, you will spend time behind bars.”
The bill follows an extensive consultation period, with more than 640 submissions made regarding the draft legislation and proposed reforms to antique firearm ownership.
Other measures in the bill would make citizenship a requirement for gun ownership, though there will be “appropriate carveouts” for this system.
The bill would also reclassify pull- and button-lever release centre-fire and shotgun firearms to Category C while also clarifying the process for ownership, display and storage of antique weapons and introducing licensing and permit-to-acquire requirements.
Additionally, grandfathering provisions have been added for existing firearms owners otherwise impacted by these citizenship and reclassification requirements to support transition to the new arrangements.
“We will continue negotiating with the Federal Government, noting that there may be differences in the buyback scheme pending passage of the bill,” Mr Ellis said.
A six-month voluntary buyback on all guns is proposed to begin following royal assent of the new law.
“We have heard clearly from Tasmanians that they want firearms reform that improves safety while supporting law-abiding firearms owners, especially in our regional communities,” Mr Ellis said.
“Like most other jurisdictions, our government does not support caps because it only penalises law-abiding firearms owners. Our focus is on keeping firearms out of the hands of terrorists and criminals.
“We thank the many Tasmanians who have contributed to the development of these reforms, which strike the right balance.”
