Media Release
Gun Control Australia has condemned the Queensland Government’s refusal to support a national firearms buyback and introduce basic limits on gun ownership, warning the decision leaves weapons capable of mass shootings in the community and puts ideology ahead of public safety.
The Government’s position places Queensland out of step with Western Australia and New South Wales, both of which have acted to restrict high-risk firearms and cap the number of guns an individual can own.
GCA spokesperson Piers Grove said the decision fatally undermines Queensland’s claim to be “tough on crime”.
“You cannot claim to be tough on crime while deliberately keeping mass-shooting firearms in the community. This is political posturing, not public safety.”
Grove said the Government had caved to pressure from the gun industry, abandoning the evidence-based reforms supported by police, public health experts and victims’ families.
“Queensland has blinked. When faced with a choice between community safety and industry pressure, this government chose the gun lobby.”
The decision reverses Queensland’s previous support for a national buyback announced in December 2025, despite overwhelming public backing for stronger gun laws.
“This is a betrayal of the people of NSW grieving after the Bondi massacre. It’s a betrayal of the families of the Wieambilla victims who are still calling for reform. And it’s a betrayal of the nine in ten Australians who want tougher gun laws.”
“Queensland now risks becoming a dumping ground for firearms restricted elsewhere.”
“Gun laws are only as strong as the weakest link. By refusing to act, Queensland is inviting a build-up of weapons that other states have recognised are too dangerous for civilian ownership.”
“The Government’s focus on “taking guns from criminals” misses the point entirely. Every mass shooting begins with a legally owned gun. Waiting until someone pulls the trigger is not crime prevention — it’s surrender.”
Effective gun control depends on limiting access to firearms, including the types of guns available and the number any individual can own — reforms made possible through a national buyback.
The 1996 buyback saved lives. Refusing to repeat that success is reckless.
Gun Control Australia calls on the Queensland Government to come clean about who it consulted on the new gun laws. Unlike other states, the Queensland Government did not undertake a public consultation process
and did not consult with key public safety groups when developing its response.
We call on the Queensland Government to restart its reform process and listen to experts with real credentials.
“Public health professionals, police and victims’ families have expertise. The gun lobby does not. Queensland must choose evidence over ideology — and people over politics.”
Interviews: GCA spokesperson Piers Grove is available for comment.
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9 February 2026