Tasmania’s police minister has launched a public survey on firearms policy, as states face a March deadline to agree on sweeping gun reforms following the Bondi Beach massacre.
Felix Ellis is asking constituents whether they support caps on firearm ownership, citizenship requirements for licences and the federal government’s proposed buyback scheme.
The survey comes as Ellis moves to establish a new ‘Firearms Consultative Committee’ to advise on policy changes ahead of negotiations with other states and territories.
“The terrorist attack at Bondi showed just how important it is to make sure firearms don’t fall into the hands of terrorists and criminals,” Ellis said.
“But it has also prompted a whole range of other suggestions that could have an impact on Tasmanians.”
The December 14 attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach killed 15 people and wounded more than 40.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded by announcing the largest gun buyback since the Port Arthur massacre, including limits on individual firearm ownership, restricting licences to citizens and fast-tracking the national firearms register.
One of the Bondi attackers legally owned six firearms despite being an Indian citizen on a permanent resident visa.
Ellis’s survey canvasses support for multiple policy proposals, including shorter licence renewals, more frequent inspections, increased information sharing between ASIO and licensing authorities and stronger penalties for firearms theft.
It also collects data on respondents’ political allegiances and whether they or their family members own firearms.
The proposed committee would include ten volunteers, including police and representatives from firearm advocacy groups, museums and primary producers and would be chaired by Ellis.
Ellis said the committee would work through firearms policy in a “calm and considered manner”.
Committee discussions will remain confidential and inform government decision-making, according to an expressions of interest notice published in December.
The Greens, concerned about the state government’s approach to reform, said greater clarity was needed around when changes could be expected.
Greens police spokesperson Tabatha Badger also took issue with the survey, saying it is not hosted by any government agency but is being run by his personal office.
“The Rockliff government has repeatedly said they’ll be consulting on proposed gun safety reforms, but never said how, who with or on what timeframe,” she said.
“Is this the consultation the minister promised? Or is it a cynical attempt by Mr Ellis to capitalise on this deeply serious issue by collecting Tasmanians’ contact details for his own use?”
States must agree on reforms by March, with legislation required by July 1.
New South Wales has already passed laws capping recreational shooters at four firearms and requiring citizenship for licence holders.
