The Tasmanian government has deferred its firearms reform bill days before it was due before parliament and has not said when it will return.
The Firearms Amendment (Strengthening Firearms Security) Bill 2026 had been expected to be debated from September 1.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government deferred the bill after members of parliament asked for more time.
Ellis introduced the bill on August 20, drawing immediate criticism from Labor, the Greens and gun control advocates.
The bill would deliver a National Firearms Register, lift penalties for stealing firearms and impose mandatory minimum jail terms for possessing stolen guns.
It reclassifies straight pull and button or lever release firearms to the more restrictive Category C licence.
It would also make Australian citizenship a condition of ownership, with carve-outs for New Zealand citizens and people who need a gun for work.
Existing owners can keep affected firearms but cannot buy new ones, a concession critics say guts the reclassification.
The bill sets no cap on how many firearms a person can own. Labor and the Greens have pushed for one and Ellis has ruled it out.
Gun Control Australia vice president Roland Browne called the bill “a national embarrassment”.
Labor leader Josh Willie accused Premier Jeremy Rockliff of being soft on guns and of “kowtowing to the gun lobby”.
Greens MP Tabatha Badger called it “an incredible disappointment”, objecting to unclear reclassification definitions and to antique firearms provisions she said had been “slipped in”.
The deferral also pushes back a six-month voluntary buyback, which starts only once the bill receives Royal Assent.
Willie has said he has no faith Rockliff is committed to it.
The government received more than 600 submissions during consultation.
“We acknowledge that the bill makes significant changes to Tasmania’s firearms framework,” Ellis said.
“They have generated significant community and stakeholder feedback and we want to give everyone the best possible opportunity to make an informed and considered decision.”
“This change will have implications on the government’s broader legislative schedule, however we have agreed to the request in good faith.”
Parliament resumes on September 1.
