Today I will chair an extraordinary meeting of the Police Ministers Council to advance discussions on the development of a National Firearms Register.
Australia already has some of the strongest firearms controls in the world.
The uniform national gun laws adopted in the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre have made Australia a much safer place but there is always room for improvement.
Following the tragic event at Wieambilla in Queensland last December, National Cabinet tasked Police Ministers to report back in mid-2023 with options to implement a National Firearms Register.
The Albanese Government is committed to working closely with jurisdictions on this initiative, which is vital to preserve the safety of the community and police.
A National Firearms Register will ensure police across all Australian jurisdictions have timely and accurate information to assess any firearms risk posed, and protect the community from harm.
The states and territories have long agreed on the need for a coordinated approach to accessing information on firearms.
Today's meeting will seek agreement on the purpose and capabilities of a National Firearms Register. This will allow the development of more detailed options for National Cabinet consideration in mid-2023.
I look forward to working constructively with my colleagues on this important initiative.
A communique will be available on the Attorney-General's Department website following the meeting
