Gun Control Australia says the Tasmanian Government firearm reforms scrape a bare pass, warning the package leaves serious public safety risks unaddressed.
Vice-President Roland Browne said while some measures were welcome, the overall framework fails to reduce the number of guns in the community or meaningfully limit risk.
“Reclassifying straight pull and button-release firearms to Category C is a positive step.
"A buyback alongside reclassification is also appropriate.
"But beyond that, the Government has left major holes in the framework.
“The decision to impose no cap on the number of firearms a person can own is extraordinary.
"The more guns accumulated in private collections, the greater the theft risk.
"Stolen firearms are a key source of guns entering the black market.
"Allowing unlimited stockpiling increases the likelihood that more guns will end up in criminal hands.
"When other states and the Prime Minister are looking at reducing the number of firearms in Australia, Tasmania is explicitly permitting arsenals.”
Mr Browne said this approach undermines the intent of the National Firearms Agreement, which was designed to minimise the number of firearms in the community and limit ownership to genuine need.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, Tasmania should be leading the nation in strengthening gun laws — not creating loopholes that allow unlimited accumulation.”
Gun Control Australia also questioned the Government’s decision to fund a buyback at 1.5 times market value.
“If these firearms are being reclassified on public safety grounds, why are Tasmanian taxpayers paying a 50 per cent premium above market value?
"Public safety should be the priority — not overcompensation.
"At a time of budget pressure, this deserves serious scrutiny.”
Gun Control Australia also criticised the lack of meaningful public consultation before the announcement.
“These are significant changes to gun laws, yet there has been no transparent consultation process, no exposure draft, and no genuine opportunity for public health experts, victims’ advocates, or the broader community to weigh in.
"Reform of this magnitude should not be developed behind closed doors.”
Mr Browne said the package ultimately fails to go far enough to strengthen oversight, noting there is no move to shorten licence terms, as has occurred in New South Wales.
“This is a missed opportunity to properly modernise Tasmania’s gun laws.
"Firearm owners represent a small minority of the population.
"Gun law reform must prioritise the safety of the whole community — not protect the growth of large private gun collections.
"On balance, this is a bare pass that still leaves Tasmanians exposed to preventable risk.”