The Tasmanian government has ignored community calls for stronger gun laws and bowed to the gun lobby's demands, offering a premium price for restricted firearms and allowing an unlimited number of firearms for each gun owner.
The Rockcliff government announced its position just hours after the first meeting of a committee purportedly established to consult on firearm laws.
Australian Gun Safety Alliance convenor and Alannah & Madeline Foundation advocacy advisor Stephen Bendle said:
"It is deeply disturbing that the Rockcliff government has chosen to ignore the National Cabinet recommendation of caps on the number of firearms anyone can own.
"Tasmania also appears to be laying out the red carpet for gun owners, choosing to pay a premium for firearms that will now be restricted. The government has flipflopped from opposing a buyback to now paying more than any other jurisdiction.
"With the average Tasmanian gun owner owning less than 5 firearms, it is hard to explain why the government has decided not to follow other jurisdictions in introducing a cap of 5 firearms. A conservative estimate would be that fewer than 10,000 people in Tasmania, or around 1% of the state's population, would be affected by these gun reforms that the Australian community, National Cabinet and Tasmanians themselves have called for.
"Unfortunately, it appears the gun lobby that represents this tiny cohort are holding the state government and the Tasmanian population hostage."
In the lead up to the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur tragedy, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation's founder Walter Mikac AM has described the Tasmanian government's unique opportunity to lead the nation in gun reform out of respect for the victims and survivors of Port Arthur, as well as those from Bondi Beach.
The Foundation is calling on all Tasmanian MPs to call out the gun lobby's power in determining government policy and demand that the government puts public safety ahead of commercial interests.
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
