Tasmanian Government pushes back on gun buy-back

UPDATE:

The Tasmanian Government has pushed back on a proposal for a gun buy-back at a joint meeting of the Police Ministers Council and the Standing Council of Attorneys-General held yesterday in response to the Bondi  attack.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said there remains significant detail to be shared by the Commonwealth in relation to its firearms proposals. 

“Tasmania made it clear we will be consulting with our community in a methodical manner, rather than rushing through Federal Government proposals,” Minister Ellis said.

"There is significant detail to be worked through to ensure legitimate firearms users are not unduly impacted and that the Commonwealth is appropriately contributing to the costs of any changes.  

“We must ensure that there are appropriate carve outs for primary producers, sporting shooters and other legitimate firearms users. 
 
“We also have concerns regarding the funding of the Commonwealth’s proposed firearms buyback. 

“Our estimates show a buy-back could cost Tasmanians $20 million, and we believe the Commonwealth should foot the bill for this as occurred in 1996. 

Mr Ellis said that the Government has endorsed proposals to ensure that firearms are kept out of the wrong hands, such as greater sharing of criminal intelligence from federal agencies to state authorities, and the consideration of options to accelerate the National Firearms Register.

The State Government's position has been criticised by Gun Control Australia Vice President Roland Brown, and Greens Deputy Leader Vica Bayley.

"The Liberals have got form for this: they tried to water down the National Firearms Agreement reforms in 2018", Mr Browne said.

"The nation responded with conviction in the wake of Port Arthur, and that's what needs to happen in the wake of the Bondi massacre", Mr Bayley said.

UPDATE:

Tasmania Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco says gun laws should not be changed until after the Royal Commission into the Bondi terrorist attack.

He has also backed Police Minister Felix Ellis’ comments about the federal government’s proposed gun law reforms.

The Lyons MP said no changes should be made to firearms regulations until there is significant data and evidence to support them.

“We have seen NSW rush to legislate for political grandstanding rather than due process,” Mr Di Falco said.

“There is no evidence the recent changes would have prevented the Bondi incident and if the changes were well constructed, they would stand up under scrutiny through a proper process.”

Mr Di Falco said a consultancy committee should be reestablished to review firearm regulations and the firearm act to ensure they are fit for purpose, believing it would be best placed to examine any proposed changes and provide expert, critical advice.

“Tasmania already has strong gun laws.

“Any further restrictions must demonstrate a clear link to improving public safety rather than responding to pressure, fear or political expediency. 

“Responsible firearms owners, including farmers, recreational shooters and sporting 

clubs, deserve to know that the policy affecting their livelihoods and traditions is being developed carefully and fairly.”

INITIAL:

The state government has hit out at its federal counterparts' proposed gun law reforms ahead of a meeting of police ministers today.

The federal government has pledged to implement a National Gun Buyback Scheme.

The proposed scheme will limit the number of firearms that any one individual may hold, as well as restrict open-ended firearms licencing and the types of guns that are legal.

But Tasmanian Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said reforms must result from a consultative, evidence-based process, not through rushed decisions driven by pressure from the federal government.

“The Federal Government’s current plan lacks detail, and we cannot be expected to commit without a full understanding of what it involves and the impact on the community, including responsible firearms owners,” Mr Ellis said.

“There have been discussions of caps on the number of firearms an individual may hold. 

“These types of reforms may well have merit, but proposals should be based on evidence that they would improve community safety and ensure appropriate carve-outs for primary producers, sporting shooters and other legitimate firearms users. 

“Tasmania already has established processes to ensure firearm reforms are carefully considered, and these processes will continue to guide the government’s approach to any proposed changes.”

There was concern from Mr Ellis about how the federal government planned to fund its buyback scheme.

The federal government fully funded its buyback scheme in the aftermath of the Port Arthur tragedy.

However, the latest one will be half-funded by state governments.

“Our estimates show a buy-back could cost Tasmanians $20 million, not including the administration, enforcement and business compensation costs,” Mr Ellis said. 

“That is more than the cost of building a new primary school.”

Mr Ellis said some reforms would be cheaper and have a bigger impact.

“Tasmania is the only jurisdiction on track to introduce the National Firearm Register by 30 June 2028. 

“Fast-tracking this work would cost Tasmania just $700,000.”

He also said priority must be given to ensure ASIO shares critical information.

“Currently, there are no formal mechanisms in place that require ASIO to advise Tasmania Police if they have a registered firearm owner on a watch list,” Mr Ellis said.

“Information about those with suspected links to terrorist groups should be shared with the Police Commissioners of each jurisdiction as a matter of course and not as an extra cost to the states.

“Tasmania is supportive of other measures to improve community safety, including Australian citizenship as a condition of a firearms licence, noting the need for carve-outs for those employed in primary production.”

Mr Ellis said the Tasmanian government was supportive of the recently announced Royal Commission into the Bondi terrorist attack.