Premier says hunters can keep guns

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has assured recreational hunters he will not ban them from owning guns.

“In the wake of the Bondi terror attack we must continue to ensure all Tasmanians can live, work, and worship free from fear, hatred, discrimination or intolerance,” he said.

“We must ensure we continue to display mutual respect for the rights of all. Firearm reform is only one aspect of the response. 

“We will continue to work with the Federal Government in a careful and considered manner on this issue. 

“We will not be banning gun ownership for recreational shooters.”

Australia’s strict firearms laws will be further tightened with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state and territory leaders agreeing at National Cabinet to pursue significant changes described as the biggest overhaul since the 1996 Port Arthur reforms. 

Tasmanian farmers and recreational hunters, who often own multiple firearms for providing meat for their families, crop protection and humanely killing injured livestock, have been concerned they will end up dealing with the repercussions. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this week that the government was “prepared to take whatever action is necessary” with proposed measures including:

• Accelerating a National Firearms Register
• Limiting the number of firearms per person
• Restricting or tightening licensing, including making Australian citizenship a condition for holding a firearms licence and ending “open-ended” licences.
• Reviewing types of guns and modifications allowed
• Strengthening customs and import controls
• Renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement (established after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre) to adapt it to current security threats.

The Tasmanian Government has already been working to strengthen the ability of Tasmania Police to keep Tasmanians safe.

In July last year Police, Fire and Emergency Management minister Felix Ellis announced amendments to the Firearms Amendment (Community Safety) Act 202 to ban firearm licences to members of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

It also made it a criminal offence to have plans for, or to print, 3D firearms, it reclassified lever action shotguns in line with the National Firearms Agreement and made it an offence to carry a toy firearm with criminal intent. 

It also expanded the firearms amnesty to include firearm parts, ammunition, and sound suppressors.

Just a few weeks ago the Justice Miscellaneous (Explosives Offences) Bill 2025 passed the second reading in the Legislative Council, strengthening the ability of Tasmania Police to keep Tasmanians safe. 

The Bill amends the Criminal Code 1924 and the Police Offences Act 1935 to address gaps in the current laws concerning explosive devices and substances, with a focus on ‘homemade’ or ‘improvised’ explosive devices.

“Now is a time for grieving, for mourning, and for purposeful and careful consideration to ensure we do all we can to prevent devastating attacks like the one we have witnessed this week,” Premier Rockliff said.