Proposed amendments to Tasmania’s firearms legislation are generating significant community discussion, with the state government asserting the reforms strike a balance for community safety, while critics argue they fall short of national standards. The debate comes as public consultation on the Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 recently concluded.
Tasmania Police announced that the consultation period for the proposed bill ran from July 3 to August 7, 2026, seeking feedback on amendments intended to prepare the state for the National Firearms Register (NFR) and enhance community safety following the tragic Bondi incident in 2025. The NFR aims to provide law enforcement with near real-time access to firearm information across Australia, improving public and police safety by preventing illicit firearm diversion and aiding in criminal investigations.
The proposed changes include harsher penalties for firearm offences and the introduction of Australian citizenship as a requirement for firearm ownership, with some carve-outs. Certain firearms, such as straight-pull and button/lever-release centre-fire and shotgun firearms, are also set for reclassification to the more restrictive Category C licence, necessitating a jointly funded buyback scheme with the Federal Government.
Liberal Member for Lyons, Mark Shelton, stated in May 2026 that the government’s approach targets “terrorists and criminals” and aims to “get guns out of the hands of criminals”. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating the national firearms register. Mr. Shelton criticised the Labor Party for proposing caps on firearm ownership, citing petitions signed by over 11,000 Tasmanians against such measures, which he said “sold out farmers, they’ve sold out regional Tasmania, and they’ve sold out recreational shooters”.
However, gun control advocates have voiced strong opposition. The Australian Gun Safety Alliance convenor and Alannah & Madeline Foundation advocacy advisor, Stephen Bendle, expressed deep concern in February 2026 that the Rockcliff government had “chosen to ignore the National Cabinet recommendation of caps on the number of firearms anyone can own”. He also criticised the government for offering a “premium price” for restricted firearms in the buyback, suggesting Tasmania was “laying out the red carpet for gun owners”. Walter Mikac AM, founder of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, urged Tasmanian MPs to prioritise public safety, particularly in the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur tragedy.
TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman, whose organisation submitted feedback during the consultation, broadly supported the government’s decision not to impose caps on law-abiding firearm owners, especially primary producers who require various tools for farm tasks. Mr. Calman called for bipartisan support for the legislation, suggesting it reflects the wishes of the majority of Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Country Newspaper reported on August 17, 2026, that the government received over 600 submissions during the consultation period, and the firearms laws are expected to be tabled and debated in parliament before the end of the year.
Readers seeking further details on the proposed reforms and the ongoing debate are encouraged to refer to the original reporting by ABC News (Tasmania).