Recent announcement by Justice Minister Kennan on a three-month firearm amnesty will have little impact to reduce the threat of terrorism or reduce the importation of illegal firearms.
In Tasmania there has been a permanent amnesty for some time, which generally assists those who want/need to get rid of a deceased estate, and which rarely sees handed in firearms with any real commercial value.
Those with evil, criminal intent, DO NOT follow rules or regulations – they do no care for an amnesty.
SFP Chairman Wayne Turale said “Do our current politicians really care, it’s just lip service, you be the judge”.
SFP Tasmania believes, governments must significantly increasing funding in improved border security, stop the illegal importation of illegal firearms and contraband at the source.
The state government is just as culpable in regards to being light on crime, they must push harder for Tasmanian airport’s to be policed by federal police. They need to increase funding for authorities at all our island entry points.
Its time our State Police Minister Rene Hidding significantly increased funding to an under resourced firearms service department and police service.
It’s time theft of a firearm became an indictable criminal offence and not just property theft.
It’s time to increase minimum sentencing; it’s time to remove parole.
Adrian Pickin Press Liaison Officer Shooters & Fishers Party, Tas.
