A mixture of pro-gun and anti-gun members have been appointed to Tasmania’s new Firearms Consultative Committee, which will provide input on future changes to the state’s firearm laws.
Tasmanian Police Minister Felix Ellis will chair the committee, whose other members, representing a range of organisations, are:
- Cr Cheryl Arnol (Various)
- Nathan Cox (TasFarmers)
- Sgt Cam Little (Police Association of Tasmania)
- Stephen Bendle (Alannah & Madeline Foundation)
- Andrew Judd (Sporting Shooters Association of Australia)
- Geoff Hendley (Firearm Dealer)
- Dr Phill Pullinger (Medics for Gun Control)
- Deborah Thomson (Engender Equality)
- Ellen Freeman (Recreational Hunter)
Mr Ellis said the committee “would bring together experienced and representative Tasmanians to get the balance right between community safety and supporting responsible firearms owners” and would “provide a dedicated forum to advise the government on issues relevant to firearms regulation and public safety”.
“We support stronger laws to stop terrorists and criminals getting access to firearms and reforms must result from a consultative, evidence-based process,” he said.
Tasmania, Queensland and the Northern Territory have all committed to taking slower, evidence-based approaches to firearms law review than their counterparts in NSW, with the three jurisdictions also refusing to take part in the proposed federal firearms buyback, citing concerns over the billions of dollars such an endeavour is likely to cost.
“Tasmania will take a calm and considered approach [to firearms law review], with the highest priority being accelerating the National Firearms Register for better intelligence sharing,” Mr Ellis said.
“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.”
The Committee is expected to meet for the first time later this month.
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