Today in the ACT Legislative Assembly, I tabled a petition that I sponsored regarding the firearms reforms (Firearms Reform – Evidence Based Policy and Proper Consultation ACT Legislative Assembly)
I was contacted by members of the community who simply want the Government to:
- Take the time to get it right
- Commit to an evidence-based policy process
- Undertake genuine consultation, and
- Ensure that any reform is fair, targeted and effective
We all want to prevent acts of violence and ensure that our constituents feel secure in their homes, their workplaces, and in public spaces. We must ask whether these proposed reforms will actually achieve their stated goal.
At the heart of my concern is a simple principle: law-abiding gun owners should not be punished for the actions of criminals. Firearm owners in the ACT are responsible, compliant, and respectful of the law. They undergo background checks, adhere to storage requirements, and use their firearms for legitimate purposes such as sport shooting and rural activities. These individuals are not the problem—and yet, this bill places additional burdens squarely on their shoulders.
We must also confront an uncomfortable truth: criminals, by definition, do not follow the law. Tightening regulations on those who already comply does little to deter those who operate outside the legal system entirely. If anything, it risks diverting attention and resources away from the real sources of illegal firearm use—black market trafficking, organised crime, and failures in enforcement.
And let us consider recent events that have shaken communities across Australia. The tragic Bondi incident has understandably prompted calls for action. But we must be honest with the public: the proposed changes before us would not have prevented that tragedy. To suggest otherwise risks misleading the public and creating a false sense of security.
Policy must be grounded in evidence, not emotion. If we are serious about reducing violence, then we should be focusing on targeted measures—better policing of illegal weapons, stronger intervention strategies for individuals at risk, and improved mental health support. These are the areas where real impact can be made.
Legislation should be fair, proportionate, and effective. This bill, in its current form, fails that test. It places undue restrictions on responsible citizens while offering little in the way of meaningful prevention.
The Legal Affairs Committee is now undertaking an Inquiry into the rushed proposed reforms – and I look forward to seeing the outcome of that Inquiry.
For more information or to provide a submission, you can visit the website – Inquiry into Legislation on proposed firearms reform – ACT Legislative Assembly
I am hoping that we can work together on solutions that address the root causes of violence without unfairly penalising those who are already doing the right thing.