Police commissioner's advice on gun ownership caps ignored

The state government ignored advice from Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams to implement a cap on the amount of firearms a person can own.

The government previously announced that it would participate in the national gun buyback scheme but would not impose caps.

In a letter to Police Minister Felix Ellis, Commissioner Adams said she wanted to ensure the public and emergency service personnel were safe.

“Firearms present a real and increasing threat to both the public and our officers,” she said.

“The murder of Constable Keith Smith on 16 June 2025 was a confronting reminder that the presence of a firearm can change the outcome of even the most routine policing task.”

Government minister Kerry Vincent said it had received advice from a “whole lot of different areas” and that “the caps do not make a substantial difference”.

Labor and the Greens support limits on the number of firearms an individual can own.

“When it comes to community safety, Tasmanians expect the government to listen to the police,” Labor police spokeswoman Jen Butler said.

“Instead, Premier Rockliff and Minister Ellis have chosen to ignore their advice and water down the reforms, leaving Tasmania with weaker safeguards than those supported by Tasmania Police and adopted in other states.”

Greens police spokeswoman Tabatha Badger said an excessive amount of firearms in the community leads to more theft and misuse.

“It is welcomed that the Police Commissioner has reinforced this point in powerful and compelling terms, advising the Minister caps on firearms were needed to keep the community safe,” Ms Badger said.

“Not only has Minister Ellis failed to act, but he kept this advice from the Commissioner secret.

“Instead of listening to his own Commissioner’s advice and the stark evidence for community safety, the Minister for Police has been publicly campaigning against caps.

“In the wake of the Bondi attack and National Cabinet’s agreement on firearms reforms, this is sickening behaviour.”

Ms Badger said it was now up to the Tasmanian Parliament to change firearm legislation.

“ The Greens urge all MPs to get on board with passing a cap on firearm ownership.”