Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens’ Justice spokesperson
Tasmanians would be breathing a sigh of relief at news the Liberals are walking away from their plan to weaken the state’s gun laws.
While it’s welcome news, the fact the Liberals ever developed a secret gun policy that breaches the National Firearms Agreement remains a significant concern for many Tasmanians.
The Liberals never intended to release the pre-election policy commitment to weaken gun laws, made with, and for, the shooting lobby. When this deal was made public by the Greens just days before the state election, the community outrage was instant and tremendous.
In the five months since the policy was revealed, survivors of gun violence, gun control advocates and doctors have all slammed the Liberals’ plan. It has taken a Police Minister under fire for the dangerous policy, the Premier to be taken to court for failing to provide any police advice to back it, and a sustained community campaign for it to be shelved.
We welcome the fact Tasmanians’ desire to remain safe, through keeping our tough gun laws, has prevailed.
It is the responsibility of political leaders to ensure the community is protected. This was at risk under the Liberals’ plan and we hope they will not bring back a watered-down version in the future.
Tasmanian has a tragic past, that no one wants to see happen again.