Tasmanians next month will be able to make submissions to a Legislative Council inquiry into proposed firearm law reforms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A committee, chaired by Windermere independent MLC Ivan Dean, has been established to look at compliance with the National Firearms Agreement, current and future firearm licencing arrangements, the role of Tasmania Police’s Firearms Service division, and the ownership of Category C weapons and sound suppressors.
Under the National Firearms Agreement, Category C weapon is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle with a magazine capacity no greater than 10 rounds or a semi-automatic and pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater than five rounds.
The Liberals faced intense criticism when it was revealed that the party planned to change firearms regulations if it won government after the March election.
Under its policy, it seeks to:
- refer to the Council of Police Ministers a proposal to allow more access to Category C weapons for farmers and licence holders by expanding the reasons to own criteria;
- allow Category C licence holders to possess gun silencers;
- extend the licence duration from five to 10 years for Category A and B licence holders and from one to two years for a Category C licence holders;
- and strike out a provision which sees weapons removed from gunowners for minor breaches of gun storage laws.
The period for submissions will open after June 2 and close on August 3.