As Tasmania gears up for an imminent state election, the Tasmanian Liberals have pledged to establish a new shooting range, form an advisory group, extend firearms licence periods and improve the Firearms Services, as part of its swathe of firearm-related promises. In response to SSAA Tasmania’s request for firearms policies ahead of the March 3 poll, the current Liberal Government reiterated its commitment to working positively with firearms owners.
According to the document provided to SSAA Tasmania, a re-elected Liberal majority government would also provide $59,000 to SSAA Tasmania for a new sporting clay target system, along with an extra $5000 to the SSAA St Helen’s branch for turning targets. Investment in sports shooting would also come in the form of a “substantial parcel of Crown Land” being developed into a “world-class, multi-discipline” range.
In terms of licensing, ten-year licences will be on the cards for Category A and B licences, while the Firearm Services (FAS) would move to a digital platform. And, rather than summons and firearm seizures for minor storage breaches, infringement notices would be issued instead.
SSAA Tasmania President Andrew Judd welcomed the commitment and funding pledges. “SSAA Tasmania is pleased that four years of dialogue with the existing government has resulted in some recognition of issues and has brought a commitment to improve some of the practical and regulatory hurdles faced by our members,” he said. “Other than the Liberal Party, our requests to political parties for firearm policies have received no meaningful responses to date.”
View the Tasmanian Liberal’s full firearms policy document below.