The release of the Cook Government’s inquiry into firearms legislation has drawn criticism for its lack of meaningful engagement with stakeholders and its failure to address systemic issues. Shane Love, leader of the Nationals WA, has expressed concerns that the inquiry, which examined the Firearms Act 2024, fell short in its execution and missed critical opportunities for improvement.
The inquiry report, presented by the Standing Committee on Legislation, has been labeled as sensationalist, with many believing it should have taken place before the new laws were enforced. Instead, the outcome highlights significant flaws in how the Western Australia Police implemented the reforms. Love emphasized that while the community agrees on the necessity of robust firearms controls, the Floreat tragedy was not a result of inadequate regulations but rather failures in enforcement by those in authority.
Firearm owners across Western Australia have voiced their concerns regarding the impact of proposed changes on their livelihoods and hobbies. Many within the community do not resist regulation but instead welcome clear and enforceable rules. As noted by the Western Australian Clay Target Association, Australian sport shooters perform at world-class levels and deserve acknowledgment and support.
Calls for Genuine Consultation and Action
A notable disappointment from the inquiry was the inadequate consideration of the 2,670 submissions received and the two weeks of public hearings conducted. Many contributions came from individuals whose lives depend on a fair and workable firearms system. Their insights were largely overlooked, leading to frustration among stakeholders.
Additionally, the report failed to adequately address mounting concerns from the medical community regarding a proposal that would place responsibility for mental health assessments on general practitioners within the licensing process. This aspect of the proposed reform has raised alarms among healthcare professionals who fear the implications for patient care.
The implementation of the new firearms regulations has also been marred by significant issues, including portal crashes, conflicting directives, and various data errors. Stakeholders have criticized the Western Australia Police for their inconsistent communication and support to license holders leading up to the March deadline. Love stated that when implementation becomes chaotic, the potential for structural reform diminishes, leaving the community in disarray rather than achieving genuine progress.
The inquiry report has been characterized as a missed opportunity to rebuild trust and clarify the path forward for the firearms community. West Australians deserve clear, fair, and predictable regulations well before the expected government response in February 2026, which many see as unacceptable.
Urgent Need for Meaningful Legislative Action
Love has pledged that the Nationals WA will advocate for sensible reforms and genuine consultation. The party aims to ensure that the rights of responsible firearm owners are respected while enhancing community safety. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process, with a call for the Cook Government to release its response by the end of the year.
The firearms community, which has historically supported the government at the ballot box, deserves legislation that acknowledges their contributions rather than punishes them. Love concluded that the inquiry report does not fulfill its promise of reform but serves as a placeholder for ongoing issues that require immediate attention.
In calling for actionable changes, Love urged the Cook Government to prioritize policy over politics and demonstrate its commitment to effective governance in the realm of firearms regulation.
