Firearms Community Safety Amendments Bill passes House of Assembly

The passing of the Firearms Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2023 demonstrates the Rockliff Liberal Government’s commitment to improving community safety for all Tasmanians.

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. 

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

“The Bill also makes sure that people who use imitation firearms to commit crime can be prosecuted. 

“This includes Gel blasters which are intentionally designed to look and feel like firearms and have an operating system similar to an air rifle. 

“People have used gel blasters to threaten and intimidate the public and police and that is unacceptable.  

“They are not toys and will now be considered a firearm.” 

The Bill also provides for:  

• Automatic refusal of firearms licences for members of outlaw motorcycle gangs;  

• 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, rather than responsible firearms owners being required to go to court;

• Adoption of changes made to the National Firearms Agreement to reclassify lever-action shotguns; 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, and our tough approach on gun crime and criminals will continue,” Minister Ellis concluded.