In response to the tragic Bondi terror attacks, a Joint Meeting of Police Ministers Council and the Standing Council of Attorneys-General has been held to discuss proposed changes to firearms laws and the response to antisemitism.
Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, were in attendance on behalf of the Tasmanian Government.
Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, said the Tasmanian Government welcomes the progress made at the meeting.
"In particular, we strongly endorse a focus on preventing and responding to antisemitism, its causes in Australia, and the responses required in the wake of the Bondi terror attacks," the Attorney said.
"We firmly support and welcome the calling of the Royal Commission by the Prime Minister.
"The Premier wrote to Prime Minister Albanese expressing our strong support for a Royal Commission on behalf of the Tasmanian Government, and we stand ready to assist in any way required."
As part of discussions on how states would work to combat antisemitism, Tasmanian Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, provided an update on Tasmania's laws to combat hatred, including the recently passed Sentencing Amendment (Aggravating Factors) Bill 2025.
"We will continue to consider any other reforms targeted at preventing and responding to antisemitic hatred, noting Tasmania already has strong anti-discrimination laws which prevent discrimination and the incitement of hatred on the basis of race, religious belief or religious activity."
At today's meeting, the Tasmanian Government noted that there is still significant and important detail to be shared by the Commonwealth in relation to their firearms proposals.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said there remains significant detail to be shared by the Commonwealth in relation to it's firearms proposals.
"Tasmania made it clear we will be consulting with our community in a methodical manner, rather than rushing through Federal Government proposals," Minister Ellis said.
"There is significant detail to be worked through to ensure legitimate firearms users are not unduly impacted and that the Commonwealth is appropriately contributing to the costs of any changes.
"We must ensure that there are appropriate carve outs for primary producers, sporting shooters and other legitimate firearms users.
"We also have concerns regarding the funding of the Commonwealth's proposed firearms buyback.
"Our estimates show a buy-back could cost Tasmanians $20 million, and we believe the Commonwealth should foot the bill for this as occurred in 1996.
"However, our Government has endorsed proposals to ensure that firearms are kept out of the wrong hands, such as greater sharing of criminal intelligence from federal agencies to state authorities, and the consideration of options to accelerate the National Firearms Register."
