Thursday, 19 June 2025

Firearms regulation

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:15): (959) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Police in the other place. Minister, the UK government this week announced that it will deregulate the ownership of sound moderators for firearms, stating that these items are a firearms accessory that present no danger in themselves to the public. Moderators are also deregulated in New Zealand and are widely owned in Europe and Africa by recreational shooters. Will the minister take up the opportunity to refer moderators to his Victorian Firearms Consultative Committee so as to get an informed view that might counter the silly Hollywood stereotypes?

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:16): I thank Mr Bourman for his interest and his question. I will ensure that the question, in line with the standing orders, is passed on to the police minister for a written response.

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:16): I thank the minister for his response. Minister, in January a Greens-aligned think tank published a paper on gun control that was commissioned by the prohibitionists. It is nicely called a propaganda piece masquerading as an academic report. Will the minister commit to consulting fully with actual subject matter experts on firearms, most notably the shooting community, before giving any consideration to enacting any of the silly thought bubbles from the gun grabbers’ report?

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:16): I thank Mr Bourman for his supplementary question. I will pass it on to the police minister for a response in line with the standing orders.