Deer association calls for consultation on gun laws

The Australian Deer Association (ADA) has expressed disappointment at the Tasmanian Labor Party’s proposed firearm ownership limits, warning the policy unfairly targets responsible, law-abiding firearm owners while doing little to address criminal misuse.

Labor has proposed introducing limits on the number of firearms a person can own as part of changes aimed at strengthening gun laws in the state.

Opposition Leader Josh Willie said the policy would place a cap of five firearms for recreational shooters and hunters, while farmers and competitive shooters would be limited to 10 firearms.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has said it does not support introducing firearm ownership caps.

Australian Deer Association Tasmanian coordinator Scott Freeman said the proposal outlined by Mr Willie would introduce arbitrary limits on the number of firearms recreational hunters and other lawful users may own.

“Recreational hunters, farmers and sporting shooters are among the most law-abiding members of the Tasmanian community,” Mr Freeman said.

“Policies that arbitrarily restrict lawful firearm ownership without clear evidence of a public safety benefit risk unfairly targeting working-class Tasmanians who rely on firearms for legitimate purposes.”

Mr Freeman said comparisons with Western Australia’s recent firearm reforms should concern Tasmanians.

“The Western Australian process has become an example of how a government can strong-arm an entire sector with no genuine engagement,” he said.

“It represents some of the worst examples of modern politics — policy developed without properly listening to the people most affected.”

“Tasmanians deserve better than seeing that approach imported here.”

Mr Freeman said that while previous government responses on firearms policy had not always been perfect, engagement with industry and end users was essential.

“Firearms policy must be informed by evidence and developed through meaningful consultation with the people who actually use and manage firearms safely every day,” he said.

“While past government responses may not have been perfect, they at least recognised the importance of engaging with the sector and hearing from end users.”

“In contrast, the current proposal appears removed from any evidence-based process and risks needlessly targeting responsible members of the community.”

Mr Freeman said the Australian Deer Association remained committed to constructive engagement with all political parties to ensure firearm laws are fair, practical and effective.

Meanwhile, the Tasmanian Government has released the summary report of recent public submissions on the Wild Fallow Deer Management Policy Review 2025.

There were 836 submissions received from a diverse range of stakeholders, including recreational hunters, landholders, farmers, property protection permit holders, environmental and conservation organisations, local government and community members.

Primary Industries and Water Minister Gavin Pearce said the Government knows there is a diverse range of views on how to best manage wild fallow deer.

“If we want to get deer numbers under control, we need to take a collaborative approach,” he said.

“Responses show broad support for reforming the property protection permit framework for farmers, extending permit durations, and increasing flexibility for landholders to manage deer impacts on their properties.”

“There was a very strong response from our recreational hunters, sending a clear message that they want the freedom and flexibility to take more deer.”