Labor to amend Liberals’ glaring omission from Firearms Bill – the safety of Tasmanians
As the Firearms Bill tabled by the Liberals comes on for debate in Parliament this week, Labor will move amendments that prioritise the safety of Tasmanians – a glaring omission from Premier Rockliff and the supposed Minister in charge of public safety, Felix Ellis.
Tasmania is ground zero for Australia’s firearm reform and this is a powerful opportunity for our state to once again lead the nation in gun safety.
Instead, Premier Rockliff and the Liberals are advocating for unlimited guns in the community and the weakest laws in the country.
Labor does not support that, and Tasmanians don’t support that either.
The Bill tabled is a shameful backflip from the agreement Premier Rockliff made at National Cabinet and places political interest above the safety of Tasmanians and Tasmanian police officers, as the Liberals kowtow to the gun lobby and worry about One Nation on their right flank.
Premier Rockliff and Police Minister Felix Ellis have ignored the advice of Tasmania’s Police Commissioner – who clearly states the need for a cap on firearms.
We look forward to working with the Parliament to deliver practical reforms that improve community safety while respecting the legitimate needs of primary producers, sports shooters, and recreational hunters.
