The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to take a measured, Territory-first approach to national discussions on firearm reform, with a clear focus on the additional use of criminal intelligence to strengthen community safety.
The Standing Council of Attorneys-General and Police Ministers Council met on Friday as part of its commitment to develop options to strengthen gun and hate crime laws.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Northern Territory continues to work collaboratively while making sure the Territory's position is always made clear.
"There cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to reform and we have already seen NSW pull away from the pack and do its own thing, and we respect their right to do so. Equally, the Territory must be respected for being upfront about what our focus is.
"There needs to be a measured approach to ensure reforms are genuinely needed, relevant and appropriate to each jurisdictions circumstances," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"Our number one focus is always the safety of Territorians, and I make no apology for putting the best interests of Territorians first."
"We have been explicitly clear following National Cabinet, which asked States and Territory's to develop options, that we will work with the federal government to fast-track the national firearms register and allow additional use of criminal intelligence to reject or remove firearms licenses or firearms from people or households that are a threat to safety."
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Northern Territory does not support a national gun buyback scheme that is funded by Territorians.
"If the federal government wants to put a national buyback scheme in place, they should fund it, I will not have everyday Territorians foot that bill."
"We welcome the Royal Commission and are very keen to see the results, particularly recommendations around federal criminal intelligence sharing.
"The NT Police Force are already swift to cancel firearms licenses or remove firearms using local criminal intelligence and will be prompt to act based on federal intelligence.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the Northern Territory supports targeted, criminal intelligence-led measures that strengthen public safety without undermining lawful firearm ownership.
"The most important work is improving how criminal intelligence is used to inform firearms licensing decisions," Ms Boothby said.
"These are genuine, relevant reforms that help identify risk early and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. We are not afraid to remove firearms or cancel licenses, and not just for individuals but entire households."
Ms Boothby said states and territories must retain flexibility to respond to their own risk profiles and community needs.
"This is not, and should not become, a centrally imposed policy mandate from Canberra," she said.
She said the Northern Territory will continue to engage constructively in national discussions, but decisions affecting Territorians will always be made locally.
"For many Territorians, firearms are a practical tool for work and lawful recreation, and any reform must recognise that reality," she said.
Ms Boothby said the Northern Territory is also working with the Commonwealth to address hate crimes, extremism, and serious violence.
"In 2025 we strengthened our Anti-Discrimination Act making it unlawful to incite hate, serious contempt or severe ridicule."
"The Territory is at the table every step of the way and looks forward to seeing further detail" she said.
