Firearm petitions receive more than 11K signatures

A pair of petitions on firearm regulations has received more than 11,000 signatures.

The petitions request that the Tasmanian parliament reject the introduction of a cap on the number of firearms an individual can legally possess and prioritise policies that target illegal firearms and criminal activity, rather than law-abiding licenced firearm owners/users.

The Liberals have indicated they will not seek to impose a cap on firearms, while Labor has proposed a cap of 10 firearms for primary producers.

Both petitions were tabled in parliament on Wednesday.

Petition Sponsor and Liberal Member for Lyons, Mark Shelton, welcomed the response.

“Our Government has taken a strong and considered approach to firearms reforms that target terrorists and criminals,” Mr Shelton said. 

“We are progressing significant reforms to get guns out of the hands of criminals, keep Tasmanians safe, make Australian citizenship a requirement of firearm ownership, and accelerate the national firearms register.

“Speaking to Tasmanians at AGFEST and across my electorate of Lyons, the response has been loud and clear.”

Mr Shelton criticised Labor’s position on firearm reforms.

“Labor has sold out farmers, they've sold out regional Tasmania, and they've sold out recreational shooters.

“Our government is focused on keeping Tasmanians safe, while Labor is attacking law-abiding farmers and recreational shooters.”

Labor Police, Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman Jen Butler said the Liberals are trying to scare farmers, hunters, and sporting shooters because they are too weak to show leadership on community safety.

“We will work constructively with the Parliament to deliver practical reforms that improve community safety while respecting the legitimate needs of primary producers, sports shooters, and recreational hunters,” Ms Butler said.

“The reforms we support do not stop lawful activities.

“They do not stop farmers from doing their work, sporting shooters from competing, or recreational hunters from participating in their sport.

“They put sensible safeguards in place, with a clear exemption process where a higher number of firearms can be justified.”