The government has rejected WorkSafe Tasmania’s recommendation to ban Cracker Night, but says modifications are needed to provide a “balanced approach” to the event.
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Building and Construction Minister Adam Brooks said he didn’t believe the government should be “the fun police” but said Cracker Night should be modified to protect domestic animals, wildlife and the environment.
Mr Brooks has asked WorkSafe Tasmania to develop a new framework for the use of fireworks in the state, with the use of type two fireworks to be restricted to Cracker Night each year.
The new framework would mean a qualified pyrotechnician would need to be in attendance for a display to be held on any other day.
“This means Tasmanians will be able to continue to enjoy Cracker Night, but there will be tighter restrictions on the use of type two fireworks at any other time,” he said.
“The new framework will include improved notification requirements so that members of the public are better informed about nearby displays.”
WorkSafe had recommended no one be able to use type two fireworks without a shot-firers permit following the release of a discussion paper into the issue.
Fireworks retailers and enthusiasts had warned the banning would kill Cracker Night.
Mr Brooks said the new framework would be implemented before Cracker Night next May.
He said WorkSafe would continue to have the authority to reject or cancel permits and firework displays on Crack Night, with displays continuing to be restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes between 6-10pm.
Worksafe detailed a number of issues with the current use of fireworks in Tasmania during its discussion paper, which received more than 130 submissions during a two-month public feedback period.
The discussion paper said fireworks use posed a risk to people, property and the environment, had the potential to cause public disturbance, and listed a number of weaknesses in the current permit regime.
The government does not believe it should take on the role of being the fun police
- Building and Construction Minister Adam Brooks