Cracker Night, a cherished Tasmanian family tradition, roared back to life this year, bringing dazzling displays and communal joy across the state, though not everyone would agree, especially those with animals and pets.
Minister for Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs, Felix Ellis, joined a fireworks vendor in a pre-Cracker Night announcement, highlighting the government’s commitment to cutting ‘red tape’ and enhancing the Cracker Night experience.
“Cracker Night is a much-loved tradition for so many Tasmanian families, and we want to help them enjoy it without unnecessary restrictions,” Ellis stated.
“Our Cracker Night changes will cut red tape on the Tasmanian way of life.”
The proposed reforms aim to simplify regulations for businesses and provide greater certainty for Tasmanians, including pet owners. Key among the proposed changes for next year’s Cracker Night are:
- Extended Firing Window: A single, longer firing slot from 18:00 to 21:00 will replace previous restrictions, offering more flexibility for families.
- Low Noise Fireworks: The introduction of a new category of ‘low noise’ fireworks aims to cater to those sensitive to loud bangs.
- Increased Retail Storage: The retail storage limit for fireworks will be raised from 200kg, streamlining operations for businesses.
- Increased Public Purchase Limit: The quantity of fireworks the public can purchase for Cracker Night will be increased from 20kg to a range of 40-80kg.
- Expanded Event Applications: The list of approved professional display event purposes will be expanded to include birthdays, conferences, award nights and weddings, with discretion to approve events deemed in the public interest.
“The proposed changes cut red tape for businesses by removing unnecessary paperwork and having consistent rules – while also providing certainty for Tasmanians and their pets,” Ellis explained.”
“A longer firing window, access to more fireworks and new opportunities to celebrate other events with fireworks will help spark even more joy.”
This year, 651 events were registered across Tasmania, fostering community spirit and creating lasting memories. The government claims it is steadfast in its commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles, aiming to make Tasmania an even more appealing place to live, work, raise a family and do business.
A consultation paper detailing the proposed changes to fireworks rules and the operation of the Explosives Regulations is currently being prepared. Stakeholder and community consultation will follow its release, ensuring a collaborative approach to shaping the future of fireworks in Tasmania.
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Clive Stott
May 31, 2025 at 12:01
Minister Ellix needs to talk to Asthma Australia and the Lung Foundation, and also to local respiratory specialists and GPs. I very much doubt he will find anyone who says that enhancing the Cracker Night experience this way is a good idea. Tasmania’s population is very much aware that our Health Department is in the worst state it has ever been.
Have a look at the hospital wait times in getting to see someone here if you have a firecracker accident, or fall into a fire, or breathe pollution from these events – those which were regulated previously for very good reasons.
I guess you can’t put an old head on young shoulders.
People need to stop burning stuff.