It’s deeply disappointing to see the Rockliff Government continuing to delay a decision on critical firearms safety reforms.
The update that’s been released from the Firearms Consultative Committee has done little more than reinforce the same talking points the Police Minister has been running for weeks on this issue. Unfortunately that’s not surprising, given the Minister created a committee that has a clear majority that is pro-firearms and opposed to tighter restrictions, and has members that have been publicly supporting him.
Despite the Police Association of Tasmania backing the national buyback scheme, alongside the Greens, the Opposition, and a range of other advocates, still the Rockliff Government won’t commit to this critical measure. Nor have they accepted the obvious need for tighter restrictions on gun ownership.
Let’s be really clear. There is no good reason for delay. There is no good reason not to go ahead with the buyback scheme and the related reforms. This is simply Felix Ellis playing politics.
The approach the Police Minister is taking to this serious issue is unacceptable. Enough is enough. It’s time for Premier Jeremy Rockliff to take control.
The Premier has an opportunity for a tri-partisan approach to this issue. He needs to show some leadership, get on board with the national reforms, and work with the Parliament to make sure Tasmania has appropriate laws to ensure the community is as safe as possible.
Given Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been clear that states need to make up their mind on these reforms by March, we call on Jeremy Rockliff to immediately take up this issue.
