To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory We, the undersigned residents of the Australian Capital Territory, draw the attention of the Legislative Assembly to the following: That:
1. The regulation of firearms is a serious matter of public safety, requiring careful, evidence based and proportionate policymaking.
2. The ACT already operates under one of the most comprehensive firearms regulatory frameworks in Australia, including strict licensing, registration, storage, training and compliance requirements.
3. Several other jurisdictions have introduced rapid legislative changes that do not adequately consider the circumstances leading up to the recent terror attack, the unique environment of the ACT, or the need for proper consultation.
4. The ACT Government is currently undertaking a reform project for the ACT Firearms Registry and had commenced consultation on potential changes prior to the attack.
5. Responsible law making requires that any proposed reforms be informed by: a. reliable evidence of actual issues or gaps; b. operational experience from agencies responsible for administering the system; c. expert advice from those directly affected; and d. genuine consultation with impacted stakeholders.
6. Lawful firearms owners in the ACT include primary producers, pest controllers, sporting shooters, conservation workers, hunters, rural landholders, security organisations and government agencies, all of whom rely on firearms for legitimate and lawful purposes.
7. Effective public safety policy must focus on criminal misuse, trafficking and illegal possession of firearms, rather than imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on licensed, compliant firearm owners.
8. Effective and fair regulation requires that licensed firearm owners are not subjected to measures that imply criminality or extremism, particularly when they have demonstrated ongoing compliance with stringent ACT requirements.
Therefore, we respect that the Assembly call on the ACT Government to:
1. Defer the introduction of any major firearms legislative reforms until the findings of the current Australian and Victorian Government investigations have been completed, released and properly assessed;
2. Commit to an evidence-based policy process, ensuring that any proposed changes are: a. justified by data; b. supported by expert analysis; and c. demonstrably linked to improved public safety outcomes;
3. Undertake genuine, fair and reasonable consultation with affected stakeholders, including: a. licensed firearm owners; b. firearms dealers and retailers; c. primary producers and land managers; d. pest control operators; e. sporting organisations; f. conservation bodies; g. government agencies and security organisations that hold licences; and h. rural landholders;
4. Ensure that any reform measures are proportionate, fair and targeted, with a clear focus on criminal misuse and illegal firearms rather than lawful, compliant ownership; and
5. Publish a Regulatory Impact Statement outlining the economic, social, operational and compliance impacts of any proposed reforms.