Chair of the select committee Ivan Dean told the Legislative Council on Wednesday morning that in light of the Tasmanian government’s decision last week not to proceed with any reforms the inquiry would not proceed.

Mr Dean told the council the committee was placed in an unenviable position.

“As the inquiry terms of reference were specifically drafted to address the government’s proposed reforms, the committee has been placed in the unenviable position of being without valid terms of reference,” he said.

“The committee is therefore unable to progress with the work of the Inquiry.

“The committee intends to table a report to this effect and will publish all public submissions as part of this, with the exception of those submissions indicated as confidential.”

BACKGROUND: What proposed changes to Tasmania’s gun laws mean

The committee made its decision after a meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Dean said the 110 submissions made to the inquiry would be made available to the government.

“The committee acknowledges the considerable thought and effort that went into the submissions and expresses its gratitude to all individuals and organisations that contributed to the Inquiry,” he said.

“The submissions will be available to assist the government in the event that it reviews firearms policy in the future.”

The government announced on Friday it would not proceed with its controversial firearms policy. after widespread criticism from several quarters including the medical profession.

Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest had called for the inquiry to be halted saying it was redundant because of the government’s decision.

As well as Mr Dean members of the committee were Robert Armstrong, Mike Gaffney, Leonie Hiscutt, Tania Rattray and Jo Siejka.