The state government’s gun reforms have passed the state’s Lower House, but a push to cap the number of firearms Tasmanians can own will not be included.
The contentious omission was subject to passionate debate during a late sitting on Thursday, backed by Labor, the Greens and Independents Kristie Johnston, Peter George and Helen Burnet.
The amendment was ultimately defeated 16 votes to 15, with Bass MP George Razay holding the deciding vote.
“I want to keep Tasmanians safe, and as such I feel this bill has already made significant improvement to addressing public safety,” he said.
“But I am not convinced this amendment equals greater public safety.”
The omission of ownership caps from the original legislation has been widely criticised, with Tasmania Police commissioner Donna Adams, the Australian Medical Association, and a cohort of gun control advocates supporting it.
During debate, Independent Helen Burnet said ownership limits would be beneficial to many.
“We owe it to the first responders, we owe it to every victim of family violence, we owe it to the legacy of those people who were killed, injured at Port Arthur and at Bondi,” she said.
There were amendments which were successful: The Greens successfully moved that family violence offenders cannot hold a firearm for 10 years, a similar provision for those convicted of fraud relating to acquiring a firearm or license, and the removal of grandfathering to firearms reclassifications.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the reforms got the balance right.
“This is the most comprehensive firearms community safety reform in Tasmania for 30 years while not imposing caps on law abiding firearms owners,” he said.
“This bill strengthens public safety by targeting intelligence gaps and introduces new mandatory sentences for the theft and possession of stolen firearms.
“We have heard clearly from Tasmanians that they want firearm reforms that improve safety while supporting law-abiding firearms owners, especially in our regional communities.”
The legislation will progress to the Upper House, where it will be debated later this year.
