Minister Ellis has been playing politics with the serious issue of firearms reform for months, minimising the importance of the reform. In a letter revealed under RTI, the Police Ministers view is contradicted by the police Commissioner.
In her letter to the Minister, Police Commissioner Donna Adams echoes what the Greens, advocates and now Labor have been saying for weeks – to ensure our community safety, we need a cap on firearms.
When there’s excessive firearms in the community, there is more theft and misuse. This evidence is clear irrespective of Minister Ellis’ reckless spin to justify his inaction on their serious issue.
It is welcomed that the Police Commissioner has reinforced this point in powerful and compelling terms, advising the Minister caps on firearms were needed to keep the community safe.
Not only has Minister Ellis failed to act, but he kept this advice from the Commissioner secret.
Instead of listening to his own Commissioner’s advice and the stark evidence for community safety, the Minister for Police has been publicly campaigning against caps.
In the wake of the attack at Bondi attack and National Cabinet’s agreement on firearms reforms this is sickening behaviour.
Given the Minister refuses to do the right thing, it’s up to the Parliament. The Greens urge all MPs to get on board with passing a cap on firearm ownership.
