The Police Minister has failed to condemn signs in a local community threatening firearms violence in Parliament. It’s another regressive, troubling move from Minister Ellis, who’s been publicly pushing an unsettling firearms rhetoric for months.
Communities have been observing an increase in threatening signage, which are understandably intimidating and frightening to many. The Greens share the growing community concerns over these disturbing signs being displayed at properties across Tasmania, threatening firearm violence.
In the context of attacks on the community and police interstate from ‘sovereign citizens’ and terrorists, and increasing violent crime occurring in our state, Tasmanians expect the Police Minister to do better. But in Parliament, he refused to condemn signage threatening firearms violence in Tasmania.
It is appalling that the Minister would respond to this signage by simply saying there is no place for trespass in Tasmania. This, in combination with his refusal to condemn the signage, is implicitly endorsing it.
It’s quite frankly disgusting and inexcusable. The Police Minister’s first priority should be promoting community safety and he’s chosen yet again to neglect that.
The Police Minister has chosen to fuel fears and stoking sentiments which risk public safety. This behaviour doesn’t meet the bare minimum standard of behaviour expected of a Police Minister.
In failing to show the leadership needed and reining Felix Ellis in, Premier Rockliff is complicit in Felix Ellis’ new political lows. What will it take for the Premier to step up?
