We’ve seen a lot of disgraceful conduct from Police Minister Felix Ellis on the critical issue of firearms reform this year, but his latest performance might just take the biscuit.
In responding to a softball question from firearms dealer and Shooters party MP Carlo Di Falco, Minister Ellis launched into an extraordinary tirade. In doing so he disgracefully heavily politicised the horrific Bondi terror attack, using it to attack political opponents.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Minister decided he’d throw in some bald-faced lies and disinformation too. Speaking about the widely supported push to cap individual ownership for firearm owners, Mr Ellis claimed the cap would not apply to criminals or terrorists.
Clearly this Minister is more focused on slinging mud and scoring political points than he is on the safety of the Tasmanian community. All this just weeks after the 30th anniversary of Tasmania’s own terrible tragedy.
Rather than shamelessly trying to chase the One Nation vote, Felix Ellis should take his responsibility as Minister seriously. He can push his view that people should be allowed to own an unlimited number of firearms without resorting to gross and confected politicking.
