Labor to move amendments to gun bill to cap firearm ownership

Labor will move to amend the state government’s bill to revise gun laws to include a cap on the number of firearms a person can hold.

The Greens have indicated they will support Labor’s amendment, which proposes capping firearms ownership at five for recreational hunters, and ten for primary producers and sports or competitive shooters.

Labor Police, Fire & Emergency Services spokeswoman Jen Butler said the amendment would include a process for obtaining more firearms than the cap allows, but only if a person can justify it.

Combined, Labor and the Greens represent 14 votes in Tasmania’s House of Assembly, meaning that four crossbench MPs will need to support the amendment for it to be successful.

The state government has tabled its proposed gun law bill in parliament following a public consultation that had 646 submissions.

The changes include reclassifying straight-pull and button/lever release (self-ejecting) centre-fire and shotgun firearms to the more restrictive Category C licence; introducing Australian citizenship as a requirement for firearm ownership, with appropriate carve-outs; and clarifying the process for possessing, displaying, and storing antique firearms, while introducing licensing and permit-to-acquire requirements.

The major change from the draft legislation is the addition of grandfathering provisions for existing licensed firearm owners who would otherwise be affected by citizenship and reclassification requirements.

During the 2024 state election, the Liberals said antique firearm owners would not need a licence to keep it.

However, the Bill tabled in parliament states that antique firearm owners require a permit.

The permit process includes eligibility screening and the Commissioner's discretion to refuse, cancel and review rights.

Police Minister Felix Ellis said the Firearms Amendment (Strengthening Firearms Security) Bill will help keep firearms out of the hands of terrorists and criminals.

“The legislation supports implementation of the National Firearms Register in Tasmania, strengthening law enforcement and intelligence agencies’ ability to share critical information in near-real time across jurisdictions,” Mr Ellis said.

“Stolen firearms also fuel the black market, empower organised crime and put our community at risk.

“We are getting the balance right, with the Bill introducing tough new mandatory sentences for the theft and possession of stolen firearms.

"If you steal a firearm, or you're caught with a stolen firearm, you will spend time behind bars."

But Shooters Union Tasmania President Phillip Bigg said he wanted to see the Bill scrapped.

“It’s not doing anything to curb the criminal use, intent or theft of firearms, which is the main concern that the government is constantly spruiking,” Mr Bigg said.

“All it is doing is penalising law-abiding firearm owners.”

Mr Bigg said he would like to see a proper parliamentary inquiry set up around firearm laws.

“That means the likes of shooting organisations and clubs would be allowed to, on the record and in front of the committee, provide the facts so we can get rid of these false narratives and base firearm reforms on fact.”

Ms Butler said Labour would work with Parliament to deliver reforms that improve public safety while respecting the legitimate needs of primary producers, sports and competitive shooters, and recreational hunters.

“We have a responsibility under the National Firearms Agreement to ensure our laws prioritise community safety.

“Labor supports a limit on the number of firearms any one individual can hold – five for recreational hunters, and ten for primary producers and sports or competitive shooters – alongside a clear exemption process where a higher number of firearms can be justified.

“We will consider the detail of the legislation carefully and work with the Parliament to ensure these reforms strike the right balance between stronger community safety and the legitimate needs of responsible firearm owners.”

Greens Police, Fire and Emergency Management spokeswoman said her party had serious concerns about the Liberals’ firearms bill.

“It is substantially different to that which was presented for public consultation,” Ms Badger said.

“We’re particularly concerned with the provisions on the reclassification of firearms and the grandfathering clauses. 

“The bill Minister Ellis has put forward fails his fundamental duty as the Police Minister to act in the best interests of community safety.”

Ms Badger said it would support Labor’s push for caps on firearms.

“We’ll be sitting down with members across Parliament, and the firearms reform, public health, and family violence prevention sectors to talk about amending this bill. 

“Labor have promised they’ll move for caps on firearms, and the Greens will support them, as unlimited numbers of firearms in the community are not in the best interests of public safety.”

The bill is set to be debated when Parliament returns in the first week of September.