Proposed changes to Tasmania’s firearm laws are facing criticism from both sides of the debate, with concerns raised over magazine capacity limits, increased penalties and whether elements of the reforms are supported by evidence.
As reported by The Mercury, Tasmania’s proposed firearm legislation has come under scrutiny from stakeholders on both sides of the firearm debate, with questions being raised about the justification and potential consequences of the reforms.
Representatives from the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia, Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party and Field and Game Tasmania have raised concerns about several elements of the legislation.
SSAA Tasmania President and SSAA National President Andrew Judd told The Mercury the Association was concerned some firearm policy may not be based on the best available data.
“We have some concerns around firearm policy that’s being made based on maybe not the best data,” Mr Judd said.
Mr Judd reinforced that the SSAA supported risk-based firearm policy but wanted reforms to reflect demonstrated risks and avoid unfairly impacting lawful firearm owners.
Magazine capacity limits questioned
One of the key areas attracting criticism is the Government’s proposed restriction on magazine capacities. Shooters Fishers and Farmers member for Lyons Carlo Di Falco questioned the evidence behind the proposed limits, as well as the proposed reclassification of firearms and citizenship requirements.
The concerns reflect a broader issue consistently raised by SSAA that additional regulation of licensed firearm owners should be supported by clear evidence that it will deliver a genuine community safety benefit.
Significant increases to penalties
Questions have also been raised about substantial increases to penalties contained within the legislation.
According to The Mercury, some proposed penalties would increase from approximately $40,000 to $80,000, while other firearm offences could attract considerably larger fines.
Labor’s Sarah Lovell also questioned whether some of the proposed penalties were proportionate.
Concerns from across the debate
Concerns have not been limited to firearm organisations. The Mercury reported that community groups also raised issues with aspects of the legislation.
These views highlight the need for any changes to Tasmania’s firearm laws to be carefully considered and supported by evidence.
SSAA continues to support firearm regulation as long as it is based on evidence, demonstrated risk and genuine improvements to community safety. Any changes for licensed firearm owners should have a clear purpose and measurable safety benefit.
👉 Read the original story in The Mercury (paywalled)