Statement attributable to Australian Gun Safety Alliance convenor and Alannah & Madeline Foundation advocacy advisor Stephen Bendle:
The Foundation welcomes the Opposition's support for strong gun laws in Tasmania.
The aim of any gun reforms is to make the community safer, and we are pleased to see the Opposition, the Greens and many Independents standing together on this.
Not a single Tasmanian will be prevented from using or owning a firearm for which they have a legitimate need. However, reducing the number of guns in a community is clearly in the interests of public safety.
Tasmanians saw the improvements in gun safety and the dramatic reductions in firearm deaths and injuries following Port Arthur. It is time for the community to come together and make another difficult decision in the interests of all Tasmanians.
The Foundation is pleased that the Opposition has stepped up and committed to being strong on community safety.
About us:
About the Alannah & Madeline Foundation The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was founded 28 years ago by Walter Mikac AM, and a small group of volunteers in memory of Walter's young daughters Alannah and Madeline, aged just six and three, who tragically lost their lives along with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur in Tasmania on 28 April 1996. The Foundation was established with the belief that "all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma." Our mission continues today through our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs – we fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong. www.alannahandmadeline.org.au
About the Australian Gun Safety Alliance The Australian Gun Safety Alliance is a broad coalition of voices representing the interests of the community to ensure we remain vigilant on gun safety. www.gunsafetyalliance.org.au
