Submissions to the Liberals’ firearms bill reveal the clear opposition from public safety, health, and family violence organisations – all of which were shamelessly dismissed by the Police Minister.
In his dogged refusal to include caps on firearms, Police Minister Ellis has ignored experts like the Australian Medical Association, Family and Sexual Violence Alliance and Legal Aid. These are all organisations on the frontline, dealing with the devastating consequences of Minister Ellis’ reckless pursuit of unlimited firearms in the Tasmanian community.
And where is Premier Rockliff? The Premier was proudly backing another bill tabled in Parliament aimed at protecting Tasmanians from Family Violence, but has been deafeningly quiet on this disgraceful firearms bill – which has been called out by those in the Family Violence sector.
Minister Ellis has also, once again, ignored his own Police Commissioner’s advice.
In her submission, the Police Commissioner makes it clear that not only are firearms crimes escalating and the theft of registered firearms is increasing, but the rate of suspensions is also rising. The police only suspend licences when an individual poses a risk to themselves or others.
This is the evidence and statistics Minister Ellis should have considered when drafting the bill. How many times can he dismiss his Commissioner’s pleas to protect the community?
This blatant disregard for expert advice is just from the submissions on the firearms bill that was originally put out for public comment. The bill tabled in parliament also captures antique firearms changes, for which the public submissions seem to be updating or temporarily missing on to the website. We look forward to being able to read them.
If the Liberals won’t do their job and listen to the Police Commissioner, health professionals, the family violence and community legal sector, then the parliament can.
The Greens remain committed to putting community safety first. We will be listening to the experts and will work across the parliament to turn this bill around for the greater good of Tasmania.
