Tasmania’s latest firearms crime statistics are deeply concerning and proof of the serious threat unlimited firearms in the community pose to public safety. To keep communities safe, the state must move to introduce caps on ownership.
There are more firearms thefts per capita in our state than anywhere else in the country. That’s a shameful statistic to have in a state that once led the way on firearms reform.
It has been on Felix Ellis’ watch that firearms crime has increased across Tasmania. This is a Police Minister who ignores advice from his own Police Commissioner, disbanded Tasmania’s firearm consultative committee, campaigned against and then abandoned firearms reform the Premier agreed to with National Cabinet months ago, and made national headlines through his shameful treatment of the media.
Minister Ellis should be doing his job and acting in the interests of public safety, not spending his time and energy provoking hateful attacks online. Unfortunately his main interest is playing politics on the most serious of issues.
The conduct of this Minister is unacceptable. What will it take for the Premier to show some leadership? When will he finally step in and take control of this situation?
The Greens remain committed to reducing the number of firearms in our community in the interests of public safety and we will work with colleagues across the Parliament to achieve this outcome.
