Tasmania’s beloved Cracker Night tradition is getting an upgrade, with proposed changes to fireworks regulations that aim to cut red tape while expanding opportunities for celebrations.
Minister Affairs Felix Ellis announced the planned reforms this weekend, as 651 registered fireworks displays take place across the state for Cracker Night.
“Cracker Night is a much-loved tradition for so many Tasmanian families and we want to help them enjoy it without unnecessary restrictions,” Ellis said.
The proposed changes include extending the firing window to a single three-hour period from 6pm to 9pm, introducing “low noise” fireworks, increasing storage limits, and doubling the quantity of fireworks available for purchase from 20kg to between 40-80kg.
The government also plans to expand approved professional display events to include birthdays, conferences, award nights and weddings.
Shannon Palmer from Brightstar Fireworks welcomed the reforms, saying they would modernise rules to make the annual celebration safer and more enjoyable.
“The introduction of a new ‘low noise’ category of fireworks will enable more people to enjoy Cracker Night by reducing the required separation distances from other properties and dwellings,” Palmer said.
He said the expanded list of approved purposes would provide economic benefits for Tasmania’s events sector, which currently faces limitations on professional displays.
“Bizarrely, you can currently get a fireworks permit for the performance of an artistic work but you can’t get a permit for events such as birthdays, conferences, award nights and weddings,” Palmer said.
Cracker Night, originally held to mark Commonwealth Day, is celebrated on May 24 or the following Saturday.
A consultation paper on the proposed changes is being prepared, with stakeholder and community consultation to follow its release.
The government reminded current permit holders that existing conditions still apply for this year’s celebrations.
