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
1500 Tasmanians own 11 or more firearms; nearly 300 owned more than 20 firearms and 44 people own more than 50. Does Premier Rockliff see this as acceptable?
The Police Commissioner, Labor, the Greens, many Independents and the majority of the community want Tasmania to fully participate in the national firearms buy-back scheme.
The Rockliff Government should finally get on board with meaningful firearms reforms following recommendations in the interim report of the Royal Commission
It's not clear how the government arrived at their announced firearms reform measures, for example, the 150 per cent market value rebate on firearms through the buyback scheme.
Do you think it is acceptable for a minister to publicly campaign for their personal opinion in this way prior to Cabinet making a decision?
From your previous answer to me, that you did realise and read the Police Commissioner's letter prior to Cabinet's decision. If that's not right, please correct me.
The Commissioner for Police wrote to minister Ellis on 5 February expressing her strong support for the national firearms reform agenda and a cap on firearms ownership.
Minister Ellis has been playing politics with the serious issue of firearms reform for months, minimising the importance of the reform.
The Greens congratulate Tasmanian Labor Leader Josh Willie on the announcement he will move to introduce caps on individual ownership of firearms.