Arabic version: تاسمانيا ترفض تعديلاً يفرض سقفاً لملكية الأسلحة النارية

According to ABC News, Tasmania’s lower house rejected a Labor amendment that would have placed a limit on firearm ownership as debate continued on the state government’s firearms reform bill.

The amendment was defeated 15 votes to 16. Labor, the Greens and independents Helen Burnet, Peter George and Kristie Johnston supported the proposal. The state government, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco, and independents David O’Byrne, Craig Garland and George Razay voted against it.

Labor’s proposal would have limited ownership to five guns, or 10 for primary producers and sporting shooters. It also proposed allowing the police commissioner to grant exemptions. George Razay said he saw merit in caps but was concerned about effects on agricultural communities and hunters.

The government’s bill includes Tasmanian requirements for a national firearms register, a buyback scheme and mandatory minimum jail terms for serious firearms offences. The bill is expected to pass the lower house before going to the upper house later this year.

Parliament also approved changes to the fit and proper person test. The police commissioner will be able to consider family violence history in another state, recognised risk factors for family violence and whether an unsuitable family member or partner could access an applicant’s firearms. A family violence conviction will prevent a person obtaining a licence for 10 years, increased from five years in the original bill.

Government plans to grandfather current owners when straight-pull action firearms are reclassified will be removed from the bill, with support from the Greens and independents Helen Burnet, David O’Byrne and Peter George.