National Cabinet and Police Ministers have met this week to progress work on any reforms needed to eradicate antisemitism, hate, violence and extremism. This work includes developing options to strengthen gun laws.
The Territory will meaningfully participate in the work ahead and bring to the national debate a uniquely Territory perspective.
We have commenced work on how we can strengthen powers for police to better target criminals and people of interest to federal authorities for violence, extremism, or risk to the community.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government also acknowledges the thousands of Territorians who legitimately own firearms as antique collectors, hunters, sports shooters and for work, who do not form part of our focus.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said, "The Northern Territory has a very different context to the larger states and will not blindly follow approaches designed for other jurisdictions. Instead, we will contribute meaningfully and make decisions on what is best for the Territory.
"We are particularly interested in better powers for police and the flow of information from federal intelligence agencies to support Territory police to take guns off threats and their families, and to stop people who may be a threat from getting a licence in the first place," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
The Territory already has a proactive regime of removing firearms from domestic violence offenders and is well advanced in its part of the National Firearms Register, which we welcome being fast-tracked.
NSW is forging ahead with its gun reforms next week, and we deeply respect their autonomy to do that.
"The Northern Territory doesn't have the same challenges as other parts of the nation, and I make no apologies for fighting for Territorians in the national debate," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"Any reform in the Territory must be about putting the rights of Territorians to be safe above the rights of those who threaten our way of life, our freedoms and our community."
