Tasmania is set to introduce tougher penalties for firearm theft and possession of stolen guns under proposed new legislation. The draft laws, open for public consultation until August 7, mandate a minimum three-month jail term for individuals convicted of stealing or possessing stolen firearms. However, the proposed amendments will not include a limit on the number of firearms an individual can own, a measure supported by the state’s Police Commissioner and gun safety advocates.
Stricter Penalties for Firearm Offences
The proposed amendments to Tasmania’s Firearms Act aim to enhance public safety by increasing the consequences for illegal firearm activities. Under the new laws, anyone found guilty of stealing a firearm or being in possession of a stolen firearm will face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of three months. This measure is intended to deter criminals and disrupt the flow of illegal firearms, which are often linked to organized crime and pose a significant risk to the community.
Police Minister Felix Ellis emphasized the government’s commitment to keeping firearms away from dangerous individuals. “If you steal a firearm, or you’re caught with a stolen firearm, you should expect to spend time behind bars,” Mr. Ellis stated. “Stolen firearms fuel the black market, empower organised crime and put our community at risk.”
Broader Reforms Aligned with National Efforts
These proposed changes are part of a broader suite of reforms developed in response to national calls for tighter firearm regulations, particularly following the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi, Sydney, last year, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The federal government had urged all states and territories to bolster their firearm laws and implement a National Firearms Register, a concept first raised after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
The Tasmanian government’s draft legislation incorporates several key measures recommended at the national level:
- National Firearms Agreement: The state will formally enter into the National Firearms Agreement, fostering greater inter-jurisdictional cooperation.
- Intelligence Sharing: The reforms aim to improve the availability of critical information for law enforcement when assessing firearm license applications. “The Bondi terrorist attack showed the devastating consequences of a failure to share intelligence across jurisdictions and agencies,” noted Police Minister Felix Ellis. “These reforms are about making sure the right information is available to law enforcement when they are making decisions about who should have access to firearms.”
- Firearm Reclassification: Certain types of firearms, specifically straight pull and button/lever release centre-fire rifles and shotguns, will be reclassified to a more restrictive Category C licence.
- Citizenship Requirement: Australian citizenship will become the standard eligibility criterion for obtaining a firearms licence, with limited exceptions for New Zealand citizens.
- Magazine Capacity Limits: Ammunition magazine capacity limits will be introduced for some Category A and B firearms.
No Limit on Firearm Ownership
Despite calls from Tasmania’s Police Commissioner and various gun safety organizations, the state government has decided against implementing a cap on the number of firearms an individual can legally own. Minister Ellis reiterated the government’s stance, stating, “Our focus is on keeping firearms out of the hands of terrorists and criminals, not penalising law-abiding licence holders.” This approach prioritizes targeting illicit firearm activity over restricting ownership for licensed individuals.
Firearm Buyback Scheme Negotiations
Discussions are ongoing between the Tasmanian and federal governments regarding funding for a firearm buyback scheme. This scheme is intended to compensate individuals affected by the reclassification of certain firearms. The state government has committed to offering 1.5 times the market value for firearms subject to reclassification, and market value for any other voluntary buybacks. Minister Ellis expressed a desire for progress, noting, “The federal government announced the buyback six months ago, however there has been no significant updates since then.”
Public Consultation Period
The proposed legislation is now open for public review and feedback. Tasmanians are encouraged to submit their views on the draft firearm law amendments before the consultation period closes on August 7. The government will consider public input as it finalizes the new laws.
These proposed changes represent a significant step in Tasmania’s approach to firearm regulation, balancing the need for stricter penalties against illegal activities with the rights of licensed firearm owners, while also aligning with national safety initiatives.
