Family violence incidents involving firearms in Tasmania have more than doubled in four years, figures from Tasmania Police show.
The data was tabled at a budget estimates hearing this week in response to questions from independent Nelson MLC Meg Webb.
It showed firearm-related family violence incidents rose from 69 in 2021-22 to 140 in 2024-25 – an increase of 103%.
Over the same period, total reported family violence incidents rose from 4,233 to 6,488, an increase of 53%.
The figures count incidents where a firearm was used or where its use was threatened, even if the weapon was not fired.
“This is a shocking and disturbing increase of 103% in the use of firearms in family violence incidents over that four-year period,” Webb said.
She said the rise in firearm-related incidents was steeper than the overall increase in family violence.
“The escalation in the use of potentially lethal weapons as part of that behaviour must be tackled as a matter of urgency,” she said.
Webb said the trend pointed to the need for a coordinated government response.
Tasmania Police told the hearing they record whether a firearm is involved in a family violence incident, including cases where its use is threatened.
Police said when a family violence order is made against a licensed firearm holder, the licence is revoked and their firearms are seized.
Webb also asked for a breakdown of registered versus unregistered firearms involved in incidents, but police said that information was not recorded in the dataset.
Commissioner Donna Adams said a new public dashboard tracking firearm-related incidents was in its final stages and could go live within weeks.
Figures for 2025-26, covering the period to March 31, recorded 83 firearm-related incidents out of 5,325 reported family violence incidents.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call Triple-Zero (000).
