Ellis announces Firearms Consultative Committee

The Tasmanian Government has appointed nine inaugural members to its new Firearms Consultative Committee.

The new Committee comes in the wake of last year's Bondi terrorist attack and agreement at Federal level for tighter gun laws, including a jointly funded Federal-State gun buyback.

The State Government has been cool on the buy-back, citing the expected cost and the need to protect legitimate gun users such as farmers and recreational shooters.

The announcement also comes after Minister Ellis last week released the results of his own survey, which was circulated widely among the farming and recreational shooting community, finding that 76 per cent of respondents strongly opposed the buy back.

Minister Ellis said the committee would bring together experienced and representative Tasmanians to get the balance right between community safety and supporting responsible firearms owners. 
 
“The Bondi terrorist attack was an absolute tragedy and we owe it to the victims to ensure this never happens again. 

“We support stronger laws to stop terrorists and criminals getting access to firearms and reforms must result from a consultative, evidence-based process.

“Tasmania will take a calm and considered approach with the highest priority being accelerating the National Firearms Register for better intelligence sharing.

“Tasmania is the leading jurisdiction on delivering this key reform. At the first meeting the committee will review changes to legislation to enable the NFR to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”

Committee members are Cheryl Arnol (various), Nathan Cox (TasFarmers), Sgt Cam Little (Police Association), Stephen Bendle (Alannah & Madeline Foundation), Andrew Judd (Sporting Shooters Association of Australia), Geoff Hendley (Firearm Dealer), Dr Phil Pullinger (Medics for Gun Control), Deborah Thomson (Engender Equality), Ellen Freeman (Recreational Hunter).

The Committee will be chaired by Minister Ellis and its first meeting will be held before the end of the month.