Labor MP Brian Mitchell has been accused of ‘monstering’ independent MP George Razay in parliament after repeatedly pressing him to reverse his decision to vote against a cap on firearm ownership tonight.
Razay was in tears as he told the house shortly before 5:30pm that he could not support the amendment, saying the caps debate had generated community division that ‘broke his heart’.
The Firearms Amendment (Strengthening Firearms Security) Bill 2026 has been deadlocked at 17 votes apiece on caps since Tuesday’s second reading speeches.
Labor and the Greens are in support, with the government opposed.
Razay was the last of the 35 lower house MPs yet to declare his position, leaving the Bass independent to decide whether the cap survives.
Both sides have spent two days appealing to him, with independent Kristie Johnston naming him directly during her own contribution.
Razay told the House the bill had already made significant improvements to public safety, but he was not convinced the amendments struck a sufficient balance.
He said constituents had raised the impact on their livelihoods, that hunters needed the right calibre to avoid animal cruelty and that buyback details were not in place.
“For my part, as a medical practitioner and as individual, I have devoted my life to the care and well-being of the community,” Razay said.
“I have considered the balance between rights, obligations, and community expectations.”
“And I don’t feel that the current cap proposal and the gun buyback have been carefully worked through.”
“While I believe there is a merit in [a] cap scheme, I don’t feel this amendment has found the right balance. And as such, I cannot support the amendment.”
Mitchell rose immediately afterwards and targeted his contribution toward the Bass independent, calling him out by name.
“I was very disappointed to hear of Professor Razay deciding he’s going to be voting against the opposition’s amendment,” Mitchell said.
“His vote is critical in this chamber and he is the most credentialed medical professional in this chamber and it has weighed on him, but he has come … and he has stated his position that he is voting against this amendment.”
He said he represented much of the rural and regional Tasmania that Razay had described and understood the need for firearms for stock control, pest control and hunting.
“I’m aware of all that and despite that, I support this amendment,” he said.
Mitchell said the question before the House was simple.
“Do you support unlimited guns in Tasmania or don’t you? It’s as simple as that. Strip away everything else,” he said.
He said he could respect the ideological position of two government MPs who oppose caps, but singled Razay out as the vote that mattered.
“And if there is even the smallest glimmer of hope that he can reconsider what he said at that … then I’ll take it.”
He said his criticism was not “vindictive” and that he regarded Razay “very highly”.
Mitchell said Police Commissioner Donna Adams, Medics for Gun Control, the Australian Medical Association and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation had all called for a cap.
He said arguments against the cap were lines straight out of the American gun lobby and rejected claims it would change rural life.
In images taken by Pulse, Premier Jeremy Rockliff was seen entering the chamber and approaching Razay shortly afterwards.
Rockliff appeared to comfort Razay before walking him out of the chamber.
In a statement to Pulse, a government spokesperson said Rockliff was disheartened at Mitchell’s comments and was concerned for Razay’s wellbeing.
“The premier was checking if Dr Razay was OK after the vitriolic attack from Labor’s Brian Mitchell,” the government spokesperson said.
Treasurer Eric Abetz, who told the House he was a pallbearer at the funeral of what was assumed to be the last victim of Port Arthur, also rebuked Mitchell’s approach.
“Trying to monster people in the debate, I don’t think is appropriate, especially in such a sensitive area,” Abetz said.
The amendment would limit licence holders to 10 firearms in total or five where the genuine reason is recreational hunting or vermin control, with exemptions available.
Police Minister Felix Ellis says the government strongly opposes it, arguing there was no evidence basis for caps.
A vote on the amendment is yet to be held.
