Felix Ellis was already off the leash on much needed firearms reform in Tasmania. Now as soon as the Premier’s turned his back, Ellis’ made a run for it.
It’s baffling that Minister Ellis has disbanded Tasmania’s Firearms Consultative Committee after only two meetings. When he announced the committee, the Minister himself said it was intended to operate “long-term”.
Other states have firearms consultative committees, or committees of a similar function. It is extraordinary for Police Minister Ellis to disband the Committee when it was only appointed in February.
The enormous question here is why? Why would Police Minister Ellis disband the Firearms Committee, intended to provide government long-term advice in the name of public safety, when firearms crime remain an issue in Tasmania?
Why were members of the committee resigning so early in its work? Did the committee not agree with the Minister’s agenda?
It’s shocking the Minister announced the firearms legislation would go ahead without caps when it’s not clear the committee had resolved this question. Was the Minister prepared to listen to the committee at all?
Tasmanians must know the details of the committee’s past meetings, their recommendations on the Minister’s draft firearms reforms, and the reasons behind these resignations.
Tasmanians overwhelmingly want firearms reform to keep the community safer. Instead of playing pro-firearm politics, the Liberal Government should be strengthening their firearms legislation.
The Premier committed in National Cabinet to reclassify some firearms and sensibly cap the number of firearms people can own out in the community. Firearms reform is a serious matter of public safety, and Tasmania needs a Minister and government who will listen to their concerns and act.
