Queensland Government Faces Backlash Over New Gun Control Legislation
The Queensland state government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, has tabled new legislation addressing firearm ownership and antisemitism in response to recent tragic events. However, the opposition Labor party has accused the government of ignoring key recommendations from a coronial inquest, particularly regarding mandatory mental health checks for gun licence applicants.
Coronial Inquest Recommendations Overlooked
State Coroner Terry Ryan released findings in November into the 2022 Wieambilla shootings, where police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, along with neighbour Alan Dare, were killed. The perpetrators, suffering from a shared delusional disorder, used firearms that were lawfully possessed despite the owner's mental illness. Ryan recommended the government consider introducing mandatory mental health assessments for weapons licence applicants to prevent such incidents.
Police Minister Dan Purdie defended the decision, citing "issues" with a similar system in Western Australia. He explained that general practitioners may lack the necessary skills for risk assessments, suggesting forensic psychologists or psychiatrists would be more appropriate, but noted a shortage of such professionals across Queensland.
Opposition and Advocacy Groups Voice Concerns
Shadow Attorney General Meaghan Scanlon criticised the government, claiming it had "buckled to the gun lobby." She highlighted that the Liberal National Party (LNP) government also opted out of the national gun buyback and rejected new restrictions on firearm numbers or types. Scanlon argued that the proposed reforms merely reinforce existing measures and would not have prevented the Bondi or Wieambilla tragedies.
The families of Constables McCrow and Arnold issued a statement welcoming any policy changes aimed at better protecting Queensland Police Service officers, while continuing to advocate for improved training and equipment.
Stephen Bendle, a senior advocacy adviser at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, expressed disappointment, stating the government had not considered preventive measures to reduce firearm violence or the number of guns in the community, contrary to public expectations.
Government's Alternative Measures
Instead of mandatory mental health checks, the government has introduced changes requiring carers in the public health system to report high-risk patients to Queensland police, a power clinicians already possess but can choose to exercise. Health Minister Tim Nicholls noted that about 550 people were reported through the current system last year.
Additional measures include simplifying paperwork for firearm prohibition orders, investing $5.3 million in drone technology, enhancing intelligence-sharing between state and federal police, and improving police communications. The coroner found the Wieambilla shootings were not due to a systems failure, as the perpetrators were not known to health professionals.
Hate Speech Reforms Unveiled
Alongside gun control, the government introduced hate speech reforms, granting Attorney General Deb Frecklington the power to ban slogans. She intends to prohibit phrases like "from the river to the sea" and "globalise the intifada," subject to restrictions ensuring the expressions incite discrimination, hostility, or violence against specific groups.
Justice for Palestine is considering legal action to overturn these laws. Constitutional law professor Anne Twomey commented that the proposed offence of reciting prohibited expressions may face high-level judicial scrutiny due to its non-content-neutral nature, but noted safeguards like reasonable excuses and ties to serious harms could support its validity.
The legislation protects a broad range of groups, including those based on religion, sexuality, sex characteristics, or gender identity, and allows police to detain and search suspects without a warrant.
