Windermere MLC Ivan Dean said the terms of reference for the inquiry were being drawn up and he was confident it would be supported by the Upper House.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government was open to looking at the inquiry’s recommendations but denied he was backing away from changes to firearm legislation.

“We understand that there is widespread community concern and we have a likely parliamentary inquiry in the Upper House,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I’ll be very interested, as will the government, in terms of those submissions to that inquiry.

“We will be open to looking at those recommendations in detail.”

Mr Dean said he was being inundated with calls from people since he had announced his push for an inquiry.

“It has engendered huge interest and I am getting lots of calls from both sides,” he said.

“I am keeping an open mind.”

Mr Dean said if the inquiry was supported he hoped it would have its first meeting around May 23 or 24.

“I hope it will be determined by the end of the year,” he said.

“I’m sure once we place ads calling for witnesses there will be a flood of people coming forward.

“I am advising people who come to me to please provide a submission.

“We will look at what is happening in other states, New Zealand and around the world.”

Mr Rockliff, a farmer and former Primary Industries Minister, said the views of all Tasmanians needed to be considered.

“What the government is doing is we’re recognising the fact that there is widespread community concern, that’s understandable,” he said.

“We recognise also that we have constituents such as our rural constituency that would like some minor and simple changes to make their life easier.

“So we need to listen to all Tasmanians when it comes to any changes to gun laws.”

Mr Rockliff said he was confident Mr Dean’s inquiry would listen to all views.

From a personal view he said it was important to listen to farmers’ needs and try to make their lives easier.