Firearms Community Safety Amendments Bill passes both Houses

The Firearms Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2023 yesterday passed through the Legislative Council.  

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said gun violence and criminal activity are the focus of this Bill, along with making sure our police have the authority to pursue and prosecute criminal activity that threatens community safety. 

“We are cracking down on people who threaten Tasmanians’ safety through illegal or unsafe behaviour with firearms,” Minister Ellis said. 

“This historic legislation comes in conjunction with securing a historic agreement with the Commonwealth on funding a national firearms register and one year on from the tragic deaths of two young Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

“The Bill delivers nation-leading protections against criminals manufacturing illegal firearms using 3D printing and other emerging technologies. 

“It will make it easier to seize modified weapons like sawn-off shotguns.  

“The Bill also makes sure that people who use toy firearms to commit crime can be prosecuted for that crime and establishes that firearms licences will be automatically refused for participants of outlaw motorcycle gangs.  

  
The Bill also provides for:    

• Extension of the provisions of the permanent firearms amnesty to include firearm part, firearm sound suppressor or ammunition;   

• Infringement notices to be issued for minor breaches of the Act such as failing to transport, store or keep firearms safely, which will save otherwise responsible firearms owners from going to Court;   

• Reclassifying lever-action shotguns, as per the National Firearms Agreement; and    

• Extension of auditing obligations for the Auditor-General to include all firearms disposals by the Crown and its agencies.   

“The Rockliff Liberal Government is delivering on what matters for all Tasmanians by improving community safety from gun crime.  

Our tough approach on gun crime and criminals will continue while also protecting and promoting responsible firearms ownership.”