Felix Ellis' gun survey results revealed

More than 5800 people have taken part in a firearms survey conducted by Police Minister Felix Ellis’ office.

The survey found that 74 per cent of respondents strongly opposed caps on the number of firearms that farmers, sporting shooters and recreational hunters can own.

Meanwhile, 76 per cent strongly opposed the federal government’s gun buyback scheme and 48 per cent strongly opposed shorter periods for firearms licence renewals.

Measures that received the majority of respondents' strong support included citizenship requirements for firearm owners, more information sharing by ASIO and other security agencies with firearms licencing authorities, a focus on preventing criminals from obtaining firearms as the priority for reform, and stronger penalties for firearm theft and illegal possession.

Other survey questions garnered more mixed responses.

When asked if they support accelerating the creation of the National Firearms Register, 23 per cent of respondents strongly supported it, 18 per cent somewhat supported it, 23 per cent said they were neutral on the issue, 7 per cent somewhat opposed it, 19 per cent strongly opposed it and 4 per cent were unsure.

The question about more regular inspections for firearm owners also drew a mixed response, with 14 per cent strongly supporting it, 21 per cent somewhat supportive, 31 per cent neutral, 14 per cent somewhat opposed, 19 per cent strongly opposed, and 1 per cent unsure.

Mr Ellis said he was pleased with the strong number of survey respondents.

“With more than 5,800 responses, the survey demonstrates the community wants to ensure firearms don't fall into the hands of terrorists and criminals while also supporting responsible firearms owners,” he said.

“We will continue to work through the right firearms settings for Tasmania in a calm and considered manner.”