Arabic version: بيانات سرقة الأسلحة في تسمانيا تجدد الجدل حول حدود الملكية
According to ABC News, Grant Whelan is continuing a slow physical and psychological recovery after an alleged violent home invasion at his Coles Bay property on Tasmania’s east coast. Police found the 76-year-old injured and tied up outside his home following the July 11 incident, in which 15 firearms were stolen and the house was destroyed by fire.
Mr Whelan said staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital had been “wonderful” and that he was recovering gradually. He said he was experiencing nightmares and receiving psychological support, while family members and the broader community had offered help. Donations have included money through fundraisers, support linked to his grandsons’ football club and building materials. Despite losing his home and possessions, Mr Whelan said he wanted to return to Coles Bay, which he considers home.
Three men were charged last week with aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, arson and theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the alleged home invasion. They were remanded in custody. The case has also sharpened political arguments over Tasmania’s proposed firearm laws, particularly whether the state should set limits on the number of guns a person can own.
Tasmania Police data for the year to May showed firearm-related robbery incidents rose 50 per cent, from eight to 12. Assault incidents involving a firearm used as a weapon increased 19 per cent to 64, while aggravated burglaries fell 13 per cent to seven. The data recorded 40 firearm theft incidents and 155 stolen firearms, with 29 recovered so far. Tasmania had more than 150,000 licensed firearms, and police seized or received more than 4,000 firearms through surrender in the same 12-month period.
Gun control advocate Roland Browne said ownership limits could reduce the risk of large numbers of legally held guns being stolen. Police Commissioner Donna Adams urged Police Minister Felix Ellis in February to adopt such limits, citing the death of Constable Keith Smith in June last year. Mr Ellis said licensed owners were not the problem and that limits did not apply to criminals. Labor police spokesperson Jen Butler criticised his position and said Labor would pursue reforms focused on public safety while respecting legitimate firearm use.
