TASMANIAN TIMES – FIREARMS DEBATE

While there is an official process to make submission on this new legislation (see below), it is a closed process until after submissions close.

Tasmania Times will be running a live open debate on the proposed new firearms laws VIA THIS SUBMISSION PAGE.

Approved submissions will be posted on our website.

Our process is designed to ensure the conversation remains respectful and on topic.

Please review and comply with our Code of Conduct

We will ensure all voices, both pro-gun and anti-gun, are heard on this topic.

Our debate will close at 5pm 7th August 2026

On the 10th of August Tasmanian Times will provide the Minister for Police, Felix Ellis MP, a summary of all submissions and survey results received.

Tasmanian Times will not provide any personal details to the Minister or Police department.

Unless otherwise stated in the submission form, all submissions are collected in line with our Privacy Policy

This debate is NOT part of the official submission process (see below)

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The Official Submission Process

The consultation period will be open on the 3 July 2026 and close on the 7 August 2026

Consultation on the Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 – Main webpage

Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 – Consultation Version – Draft Bill

Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 – Consultation Version – Consultation Information Sheet

Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 – Consultation Version – Questions and Answers

How to make a formal submission

You must submit all written submissions by 5pm on Friday 7 August 2026.

You can make a submission by:

EMAIL: to [email protected]

POST: to “Submissions at Strategy and Support, Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management”
GPO Box 308
Hobart
TAS 7001

In accordance with the Tasmanian government’s public submissions policy, all submissions will be published on the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management website at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/consultations/

Parties making a submission may request that the submission is treated as confidential. Reasons are to accompany such a request. A copy of the public submissions policy is available at https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/

PUBLIC STATEMENTS

Felix Ellis MP, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 3 July 2026

Have Your Say on Stronger Firearms Laws

Tough new laws to take firearms out of the hands of criminals are now out for consultation.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said legislation to deliver the National Firearms Register in Tasmania would strengthen the ability of law enforcement to share firearms information in near-real time across Tasmania and interstate.

“The Bondi terrorist attack showed the devastating consequences of a failure to share intelligence across jurisdictions and agencies,” Minister Ellis said.

“These reforms are about making sure the right information is available to law enforcement when they are making decisions about who should have access to firearms.

“Our reforms put criminals on notice, with mandatory prison terms for firearms theft and possession of a stolen firearm.

“If you steal a firearm, or you’re caught with a stolen firearm, you should expect to spend time behind bars.

“Stolen firearms fuel the black market, empower organised crime and put our community at risk.

“That’s why a key feature of these reforms is the introduction of a three-month, minimum mandatory sentence for firearm theft and possession of a stolen firearm.

“This is a reform that should have happened years ago. While Labor and the Greens blocked mandatory sentencing more than a decade ago, we’re now righting that wrong.”

Further measures including the reclassification of straight pull and button/lever release (self-ejecting) centre-fire and shotgun firearms to the more restrictive Category C licence, and the introduction of Australian citizenship as a requirement of firearm ownership with appropriate carveouts, are subject to a jointly funded buyback with the Federal Government.

“Tasmania was clear from the outset that we would consult with our communities on evidence-based firearms laws rather than rush through a knee jerk reaction.

“This is an important opportunity for everyday Tasmanians to now have their say. We welcome submissions and we will continue to genuinely listen as we craft these laws.”

Minister Ellis said states continue to negotiate a fair and affordable model with Canberra.

“We have committed to compensation of 1.5 times market value for the firearms being reclassified, and any other voluntary buyback at market value.

“The Federal Government announced the buyback six months ago, however there has been no significant updates since then.

“Our focus is on keeping firearms out of the hands of terrorists and criminals, not penalising law-abiding licence holders.”

Jen Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services, 3 July 2026

Liberals want unlimited guns in the community

Tasmanian Labor welcomes the overdue release of the Government’s firearms Bill for consultation.

We remain concerned that at a time when it seems like there’s a shooting or a gun theft in the news every other week, Premier Rockliff and the Liberals want unlimited guns in the community.

Labor does not support that, and Tasmanians don’t support that either.

We look forward to scrutinising the Bill and working with the Parliament to deliver practical reforms that improve community safety while respecting the legitimate needs of primary producers, sports shooters, and recreational hunters.

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