A majority of Tasmanians support the federal government’s proposed gun buy-back scheme, even as the state government pushes back against the reforms, a new poll suggests.
An EMRS poll of 752 Tasmanians found 69% support tightening gun laws in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack, with half of respondents “strongly” in favour.
Just 24% oppose the changes, while 7% have no firm view.
The results come as federal parliament prepares to vote on establishing the buy-back today and tomorrow.
Support was strongest in the electorates of Clark and Franklin, where 79% and 76% backed the changes respectively.
In the more rural seats of Braddon and Lyons, support dropped to around 60%, with opposition reaching 37% in Lyons.
EMRS director Brad Stansfield said the findings were largely predictable.
“Instinctively, the majority of Tasmanians have a leaning towards tighter gun control, particularly after Port Arthur,” he said.
But he noted the results revealed a “relatively significant minority” opposed to the changes in rural areas.
“Both the state and federal governments would do well to reassure these people, in both action and words, that they aren’t being unfairly targeted by these changes,” he said.
Police Minister Felix Ellis had earlier criticised the federal proposal as rushed and lacking detail.
He warned the buy-back could cost Tasmania $20 million – “more than the cost of building a new primary school”.
The 1996 buy-back following the Port Arthur massacre was fully funded by the Commonwealth through a Medicare levy.
This time, states would foot half the bill.
Ellis said reforms should be “evidence-based” and include exemptions for farmers and sporting shooters.
The state government has backed some measures, including requiring Australian citizenship for firearm licences.
State Greens police spokesperson Tabatha Badger said the state government “needs to stop dragging their heels.”
“These results clearly demonstrate the strong majority community support for tighter gun laws and a buy back scheme,” she said.
“The Rockliff Government needs to recognise the need to act, listen to the community, and get on board with real reform.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the buy-back on December 19, five days after the Bondi Beach attack killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration.
The federal government wants all states to agree to reforms by March and legislate by July.
The EMRS survey was conducted from January 14–18 with a margin of error of 3.57%.
