Duelling policies on gun law reforms

TasFarmers has accused the Labor Party and the Greens of betraying regional Tasmania by supporting firearm ownership caps that will directly impact primary producers and recreational hunters.

Both parties have today stated that they would back the introduction of limits on the number of firearms that can be held by an individual – five for recreational hunters and 10 for primary producers and sports or competitive shooters.

Labor leader Josh Willie said this approach aligns with reforms being adopted by the majority of Australian states and territories and reflects commitments agreed at National Cabinet. 

“Tasmania should not be an outlier on national firearm reforms because the Liberal Government lacks the courage to lead.

“Labor’s proposal recognises the legitimate needs of farmers, sports shooters, and recreational hunters. That is why the reforms will include a clear exemption process, allowing individuals to apply to the Police Commissioner where a higher number of firearms can be justified.

The Greens are supporting Mr Willie’s stance and labelled the government’s firearms measures “weak”.
Greens Police, Fire and Emergency management spokesperson Tabatha Badger said that too often in the past her party has seen the Labor party criticising the government for their actions, but not proposing or fighting for any solutions. 

“It’s great to see a sign that might be starting to change,” she said.
“Of course, there’s still a lot that needs to be worked through, but the policy announced by the Opposition Leader today is a big deal. If it becomes law, it will make a real difference to community safety.”

In contrast the state’s peak farming body said the decision shows a disregard for the livelihoods of people living and working in regional communities.

“The Tasmanian Labor Party and the Greens have chosen to impose firearm caps on primary producers and recreational hunters,” TasFarmers president Ian Sauer said.

“This decision demonstrates a total disregard for the legitimate livelihoods of those living and working in Tasmania’s regional community.”

Mr Sauer said Mr Willie and Ms Butler had moved down this path without consulting the farming sector.

“There has been no consultation with the state’s farming community, and many in the sector see this as a betrayal,” Mr Sauer said.

“This demonstrates a lack of genuine understanding of the needs of the state’s primary producers and is not backed by science or genuine reasoning.”

TasFarmers said its most recent member survey identified feral species and browsing wildlife as the single biggest issue affecting farm profitability across Tasmania.

Mr Sauer said limiting farmers’ access to appropriate firearms would make it harder to manage pests, protect crops and maintain livestock welfare.

“The establishment of firearm caps will have no impact on community safety but will impact farm productivity and is simply government overreach,” Mr Sauer said.

“Under existing laws, firearm owners must already justify through the permit-to-acquire process why the firearms they own do not meet their needs when applying to purchase another firearm.

“That safeguard already delivers stronger community safety outcomes than imposing an arbitrary cap.”

Mr Sauer said farmers, hunters and sporting shooters rely on different firearms for different tasks.

“Primary producers and hunters require different firearms for birds, small, medium and large animals, whether that’s shooting in the bush, spotlighting at night, or controlling pests across open paddocks, or in competition shooting,” Mr Sauer said.

“That means more than one tool in the toolbox.”

He said farmers also carried legal and moral responsibilities when managing livestock, wildlife and feral animals.

“Firearms are often required for crop protection, pest control and euthanising sick or injured livestock,” Mr Sauer said.

“Using the appropriate firearm ensures those jobs can be carried out safely, effectively and humanely.”

TasFarmers said Tasmania’s farmers expected the parliament to support the growth of the state’s agricultural sector rather than introduce restrictions that undermine farm operations.

“Today’s push for firearm caps by Labor is nothing more than a distraction that does not address the illegitimate access and the real causes behind recent community safety concerns, including extremism and terrorism,” Mr Sauer said.