Ms BADGER question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
[10.34 a.m.]
On Saturday, The Mercury reported new figures on firearms ownership in Tasmania. An RTI revealed that more than 1500 Tasmanians own 11 or more firearms; nearly 300 owned more than 20 firearms and 44 people own more than 50.
Premier, do you see any issue with any of these figures or do you believe that people should be allowed to own an unlimited number of firearms?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the honourable member for your question. There was significant firearm reform in 1996 and there’s been firearm reform since that time as well to improve public safety. They were much-needed reforms and the leadership demonstrated by state leaders, country leaders, John Howard, Tim Fischer, Kim Beazley if my memory service me correctly, and in this state, Tony Rundle, Michael Field and Christine Milne, if my memory serves me correctly, as well uniting for a safer and much-needed firearms reform.
We are not supportive of caps. We believe that law-abiding firearm owners should be able to go about their recreation, whether that be hunting or whether that be sporting and indeed primary producers should be able to utilise the tools that they need with relation to their viability on farm and indeed, there are collectors as well.
That’s our view. The parliament will have its say on this matter at some point in time, but we will remain consistent with our view and the buy-back scheme, which is generous, deliberately to incentivise voluntary handover of firearms, notwithstanding the fact that we’re categorising firearm that was used in the Bondi tragedy to category C and also ensuring that where the focus lies is ensuring that we are vigilant when it comes to those breaking the law, those in possession of a stolen firearm, and indeed stealing firearms themselves.
Supplementary Question
Ms BADGER – In the Premier’s answer, he referred to some of the reforms from 1996 and part of the intent of those was that for every firearm that someone was applying for a licence for, it would be they need further justification as to why they would need that firearm, why it was necessary. How then is it, Premier, that more than 300 people own 20 firearms and 44 own more than 50? Are you actually going to properly reform the intentions from 1996 as a part of your reforms, and when will parliament see the legislation.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I’m happy to provide a further answer to provide that technicality and the answer as well as an expected timeline for legislation.
