The Alannah & Madeline Foundation welcomes the Victorian Government's decision to accept the majority of recommendations from the rapid review of firearms laws, but is deeply disappointed that the lead recommendation around caps on firearm ownership was not accepted by the Government.
The Government has agreed to a number of important reforms, including tighter eligibility requirements, mandatory health assessments, stronger screening processes and tougher penalties. These measures represent important progress toward a safer community.
However, the Government has missed a critical opportunity to strengthen public safety by ruling out a cap on individual firearm ownership. Additionally, it has so far refused to join the national gun buyback scheme.
Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Sarah Davies AM said while the reforms are a positive step, they do not go far enough to address the risks posed by the growing number of firearms in the community.
"We welcome the Victorian Government's acceptance of a number of important firearms reforms, including tighter eligibility requirements, overhauling classifications, mandatory health assessments and stronger screening measures," she said.
"But rejecting a cap on individual gun ownership is a missed opportunity to take stronger action to reduce firearm harm and better protect Victorian communities.
"It is deeply concerning that that political considerations in an election year appear to have taken precedence over what is needed to protect public safety. We strongly urge the Government to reconsider its position on caps and strengthen the requirement for licence holders to demonstrate a genuine need for each firearm."
Introducing limits on the number of firearms individuals can own and supporting a national buyback scheme are among the most effective measures available to reduce firearm proliferation, limit theft and diversion risks, and prevent the accumulation of large private stockpiles.
Firearms policy must be guided first and foremost by public safety. While this package contains worthwhile reforms, Victoria has missed an important opportunity to take stronger action to reduce the number of firearms in the community and better align with the intent of the National Firearms Agreement.
The Foundation will continue to advocate for practical, evidence-informed reforms that place the safety of children, families and communities above all else.
