Arabic version: تصويت سقف ملكية الأسلحة في تسمانيا يتوقف على نائب مستقل

According to ABC News, Tasmania’s House of Assembly appears split 17 votes to 17 over whether proposed firearms reforms should include limits on gun ownership. Independent Bass MP George Razay is expected to hold the deciding vote when debate continues on Thursday.

The government bill, tabled by Police Minister Felix Ellis, was drafted in response to the Bondi terror attacks of 2025. It does not set an ownership cap, but Labor plans to amend it to limit most individuals to five firearms. Primary producers and sporting shooters could own up to 10 under Labor’s proposal, while the police commissioner could grant exemptions.

The Greens and independents Kristie Johnston, Helen Burnet and Peter George are expected to support the caps. The Liberal government, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, and independents David O’Byrne and Craig Garland oppose them. Dr Razay did not disclose his position during his second-reading speech.

The 87-page bill includes mandatory minimum jail terms for serious firearms offences, arrangements for a National Firearms Register, a buyback scheme and expanded intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies. It would also reclassify straight-pull rifles and shotguns into the more restrictive category C licence, though the government intends transition arrangements rather than grandfathering current owners. About 20 amendments have been flagged, including proposals on licence renewals, mandatory sentences and the “fit and proper persons” test.