Felix Ellis criticised for gun survey

A survey on gun reforms conducted by Police Minister Felix Ellis has drawn the ire of the Shooters Union Tasmania and the Greens.

The federal government has passed new laws to change firearm regulations and implement a gun buyback scheme.

Locally, the Tasmanian government is looking at establishing a Firearms Consultative Committee.

Mr Ellis has asked the public to take part in a survey via his social media pages, which the Greens say is conducted by his personal office and is not hosted by any government agency.

Questions included whether respondents support caps on firearm ownership, citizenship requirements for licences and the federal government’s proposed buyback scheme.

Greens Police spokeswoman Tabatha Badger said the survey was concerning.

“Is this the consultation the Minister promised?

“Or is it a cynical attempt by Mr Ellis to capitalise on this deeply serious issue by collecting Tasmanians’ contact details for his own use while delaying genuine reform on a serious issue?

“It would be deeply troubling if Tasmania's Police Minister was more interested in expanding his political campaigning tools than he is in measures to ensure community safety.”

Ms Badger said the Greens had heard from advocates, both in favour of and opposed to gun reform, who expressed dismay over the survey.

“Minister Ellis needs to stop the games.

“There is no excuse for any more delay in committing to gun safety reforms.

“If he can’t commit now, he must be clear with Tasmanians about when and how the Rockliff government is going to make a decision.”

Shooters Union Tasmania President Phillip Bigg was also concerned about the survey.

“This survey undermines a due process that should be respected,” Mr Bigg said.

“I don’t think it’s been done in the right way – it’s not admissible to any parliamentary record notes.

“It’s a slap in the face to the commitment that the Liberal Party and Felix Ellis have put out there.”

Mr Ellis said he did not see any concerns with the survey.

“This is a hugely serious issue,” he said.

“That’s exactly why we should ask our community, it’s why we should take a calm and considered approach to firearm regulation in this country.”

Getting firearms “out of the hands of terrorists and criminals” was a priority for Mr Ellis.

“We also need to get the balance right and support responsible firearm owners.

“I’m shocked that the Greens would have a problem with consulting with our community, and for us more broadly, that’s exactly the approach that we’ll be taking.”