VIC: Rapid review of Victoria's firearms laws -Have your say

[Zappa]

https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/victo ... articipate

[mchughcb]

I am living in a parallel universe. Like a broken record they are going on about storage. Ffs since when did anything at Bondi have to do with storage.

[Finniss]

Thanks for the post Zappa,

worth pausing at each question. They are a little inconsistent in format. Don't get caught out.

Good to see the public have a say at least

[Finniss]

I am living in a parallel universe. Like a broken record they are going on about storage. Ffs since when did anything at Bondi have to do with storage.

Feels like the WA 'experts input' coming out. Stupidly heavy safes or hold down requirements not possible on a housing slab. Death by nonsense and paperwork.

It is disheartening that our emails may be perfect rebuttals and full of great ideas but they are mostly being read by people who believe banning vests will reduce terrorism.

[MG5150]

Here is my response if anyone wishes to use it as a template:


---


Dear Sir or Madam,

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to the Victorian Firearms Rapid Review.
I do not support changes to Victoria’s current firearms laws. The existing regulatory framework is already strict, robust, and effective. This is demonstrated by Victoria’s consistently low rate of firearms-related homicide and the absence of major firearms incidents in recent years. These outcomes indicate that current licensing, storage, background checking, and enforcement arrangements are working as intended.

Further legislative restrictions would unfairly impact responsible, licensed firearms users who already comply with extensive legal obligations. Law-abiding firearms owners are not the source of firearms violence in Victoria, and policy should reflect this distinction clearly.

Almost all firearms-related crime in Victoria involves illegal firearms. Individuals involved in organised crime, gangs, or extremist activity do not obtain firearms through lawful licensing systems, nor do they comply with firearms regulations. Tightening controls on licensed users does not address illegal firearms use and risks misdirecting resources away from enforcement and intelligence efforts that actually improve community safety.

I support improved cooperation and information-sharing between agencies such as ASIO and Victoria Police to ensure individuals with close associations to terrorist networks, extremist groups, or organised crime do not gain access to firearms. However, it is important to recognise that Victoria has not experienced incidents of the kind seen in other jurisdictions. Without clear evidence of systemic failure, broad legislative change is not justified.

Recent incidents interstate demonstrate that the underlying issue is not firearms themselves, but individuals holding extremist views who would likely carry out violence using whatever means were available to them. Firearms are a tool, not the cause of extremism or criminal intent.

I also strongly support greater public education around firearms. Firearms are frequently misrepresented in media and political debate, leading to fear-based and emotional responses rather than informed discussion. Government-led public education on lawful firearms use, safety, and regulation would improve understanding and help ensure policy decisions are based on facts rather than misinformation or advocacy narratives.

With respect to emerging technologies, I support narrowly targeted measures to prevent illegal activity, such as access to blueprints for 3D-printed firearms. However, any legislative language in this area must be precise and specific. Overly broad definitions risk unintentionally criminalising lawful and legitimate activities, such as accessing firearm instruction manuals, manufacturer documentation, or ammunition reloading data used by licensed shooters. This would undermine lawful firearms use without improving community safety.

In summary, I reject changes to Victoria’s current firearms laws. I do support enhanced intelligence cooperation between ASIO and Victoria Police, and I strongly support better public education around firearms and gun safety. Firearms policy should be guided by evidence, proportionality, and clarity — not fear, vague drafting, or assumptions about lawful firearms owners.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Gumley

P.S. Should amendments to firearms legislation proceed in any form, I strongly encourage consideration of permitting the lawful use of suppressors in Victoria. Licensed firearm owners have already undergone extensive background checks, training, and compliance requirements, and there is no rational basis to deny them access to equipment that improves safety and reduces harm.

Suppressors are an important occupational health and safety tool. They significantly reduce the risk of permanent hearing damage to shooters and help minimise noise pollution, which is a legitimate concern for people living near firearms ranges or in areas where lawful hunting and pest control take place.
Internationally, jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand not only permit but actively encourage or mandate the use of suppressors for hunters and pest controllers for these very reasons. Victoria has an opportunity to lead by aligning with this evidence-based, safety-focused approach rather than maintaining prohibitions rooted in misconception.

[Die Judicii]

I am living in a parallel universe. Like a broken record they are going on about storage. Ffs since when did anything at Bondi have to do with storage.

Feels like the WA 'experts input' coming out. Stupidly heavy safes or hold down requirements not possible on a housing slab. Death by nonsense and paperwork.

It is disheartening that our emails may be perfect rebuttals and full of great ideas but they are mostly being read by people who believe banning vests will reduce terrorism.

While they are at it they may as well shut down Bunnings (the terrorists supermarket), and ban all tools.
Angle grinders, cutting discs, drills, winches, crowbars, jemmy bars, axes, maticks, ingredients for explosives, castor tolleys,,,, and the list keeps going.

[mchughcb]

Same retards who thought you could shut down an economy for 2 years with no consequences because money is free.

[mchughcb]

So terms of reference are the same thrust as NSW. Less guns per person and restriction of action types.

These are all loaded questions. However there will be an avalanche of submissions and unlike the previous BS with game regulations and green nut jobs submitting , I'm going to guess the majority will be people affected in Vic which is most firearm users.

[mchughcb]

For all the people doing a submission and you only have until the 3rd of Feb so not long.
You can do an online and uploaded a document using the template that you download. That means you get two submissions.
If you use another computer you can repeat the process and get in four submissions. Remember to remove all properties from the word document so you name etc won't be in the meta data.

chop chop.

[mchughcb]

Here is my response if anyone wishes to use it as a template:


---


Dear Sir or Madam,

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to the Victorian Firearms Rapid Review.
I do not support changes to Victoria’s current firearms laws. The existing regulatory framework is already strict, robust, and effective. This is demonstrated by Victoria’s consistently low rate of firearms-related homicide and the absence of major firearms incidents in recent years. These outcomes indicate that current licensing, storage, background checking, and enforcement arrangements are working as intended.

Further legislative restrictions would unfairly impact responsible, licensed firearms users who already comply with extensive legal obligations. Law-abiding firearms owners are not the source of firearms violence in Victoria, and policy should reflect this distinction clearly.

Almost all firearms-related crime in Victoria involves illegal firearms. Individuals involved in organised crime, gangs, or extremist activity do not obtain firearms through lawful licensing systems, nor do they comply with firearms regulations. Tightening controls on licensed users does not address illegal firearms use and risks misdirecting resources away from enforcement and intelligence efforts that actually improve community safety.

I support improved cooperation and information-sharing between agencies such as ASIO and Victoria Police to ensure individuals with close associations to terrorist networks, extremist groups, or organised crime do not gain access to firearms. However, it is important to recognise that Victoria has not experienced incidents of the kind seen in other jurisdictions. Without clear evidence of systemic failure, broad legislative change is not justified.

Recent incidents interstate demonstrate that the underlying issue is not firearms themselves, but individuals holding extremist views who would likely carry out violence using whatever means were available to them. Firearms are a tool, not the cause of extremism or criminal intent.

I also strongly support greater public education around firearms. Firearms are frequently misrepresented in media and political debate, leading to fear-based and emotional responses rather than informed discussion. Government-led public education on lawful firearms use, safety, and regulation would improve understanding and help ensure policy decisions are based on facts rather than misinformation or advocacy narratives.

With respect to emerging technologies, I support narrowly targeted measures to prevent illegal activity, such as access to blueprints for 3D-printed firearms. However, any legislative language in this area must be precise and specific. Overly broad definitions risk unintentionally criminalising lawful and legitimate activities, such as accessing firearm instruction manuals, manufacturer documentation, or ammunition reloading data used by licensed shooters. This would undermine lawful firearms use without improving community safety.

In summary, I reject changes to Victoria’s current firearms laws. I do support enhanced intelligence cooperation between ASIO and Victoria Police, and I strongly support better public education around firearms and gun safety. Firearms policy should be guided by evidence, proportionality, and clarity — not fear, vague drafting, or assumptions about lawful firearms owners.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Gumley

P.S. Should amendments to firearms legislation proceed in any form, I strongly encourage consideration of permitting the lawful use of suppressors in Victoria. Licensed firearm owners have already undergone extensive background checks, training, and compliance requirements, and there is no rational basis to deny them access to equipment that improves safety and reduces harm.

Suppressors are an important occupational health and safety tool. They significantly reduce the risk of permanent hearing damage to shooters and help minimise noise pollution, which is a legitimate concern for people living near firearms ranges or in areas where lawful hunting and pest control take place.
Internationally, jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand not only permit but actively encourage or mandate the use of suppressors for hunters and pest controllers for these very reasons. Victoria has an opportunity to lead by aligning with this evidence-based, safety-focused approach rather than maintaining prohibitions rooted in misconception.

You should use their template which has questions directly related to the terms of reference and answer them. This is the wrong way to do it.

[Wapiti]

Too long mate.
Again, they know all that, and will chuck it in the bin. It would take a reasonably intelligent and VERY patient admin staff member 5 minutes + to work out what your views are, and their attention span is 15 seconds.
As well as the stress of another 15,000 letters still to read.

All you have to say should be instantly recognisable:

"I am a labor voter and have been for 30 years.

I wish to express my concern regarding the rumours that the Allen Government is considering further and more restrictive firearms laws for law-abiding citizens in Victoria. many of whom are working class Labor voters.

Please be advised that if The Allen government tighten up firearms laws in Victoria IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER, we will never vote Labor ever again as long as we live.
One Nation will get our vote instead.

Sincerely and Best Regards,
Sick of being considered a ret@rd voter "

[mchughcb]

Too long mate.
Again, they know all that, and will chuck it in the bin. It would take a reasonably intelligent and VERY patient admin staff member 5 minutes + to work out what your views are, and their attention span is 15 seconds.
As well as the stress of another 15,000 letters still to read.

All you have to say should be instantly recognisable:

"I am a labor voter and have been for 30 years.

I wish to express my concern regarding the rumours that the Allen Government is considering further and more restrictive firearms laws for law-abiding citizens in Victoria. many of whom are working class Labor voters.

Please be advised that if The Allen government tighten up firearms laws in Victoria IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER, we will never vote Labor ever again as long as we live.
One Nation will get our vote instead.

Sincerely and Best Regards,
Sick of being considered a ret@rd voter "

There are two ways to submit. The online form which has various tick boxes and the word document which has prescribed questions and places for answers which you then upload. You can do both and they are not the same questions. The word document is more loaded questions. If you don't follow the format you response probably will be binned.

[mchughcb]

Tomorrow is deadline for the delivery of the review.

Given what has happened in SA with ON the best way to ensure Labor is given the boot is to annoy both sides of the political spectrum by making them a scapegoat of Bondi and die in the wool Labor supporters will be looking for any alternative to prevent the government introducing similar regulations.

While it might have been a wipeout with Labor in SA, the primary vote for ON was higher in some areas than labor and the greens combined. To go from nothing to 3, and down to the wire 4 lower house seats and 3 upper house seats is impressive. The libs just can't stomach to preference ON above labor.

[mchughcb]

Well it seems report was finished in March. Word on the streets is the Labor government wasn't happy with recommendations from first draft. Meaning releasing it and implementing it before election was political suicide.

[cadet]

Well it seems report was finished in March. Word on the streets is the Labor government wasn't happy with recommendations from first draft. Meaning releasing it and implementing it before election was political suicide.

So what is it rumoured to have contained?
How would it have been political suicide to release and implement?
Will it likely be implemented if and when they are re-elected after November?

Realistically, I suspect while a heck of a lot of people are looking for a reason to not vote Labor, the alternatives are so electorally unpalatable that they'll probably be re-elected again as the least-worst option.

[mchughcb]

Well this is all hearsay of course.

Caps and straight pulls recatergorised in lock step with NSW. If you are looking for evidence based decisions, of course there isn't any.

[MG5150]

Well it seems report was finished in March. Word on the streets is the Labor government wasn't happy with recommendations from first draft. Meaning releasing it and implementing it before election was political suicide.

Stevie Wonder could have see that outcome happening.

Police want less guns as an OH&S issue, whether illegal or legally acquired.

Dezi prooved armed individuals take the monopoly on power away from the police, that's why they're coming down so hard on anyone with Sovereign Citizen ideology at the moment.

[mchughcb]

What else could Stevie Wonder see?

[Wapiti]

You Victorian blokes just might get a stay of execution if by some miracle, Labor is kicked out for virtually turning that state into a black hole.
All the political insiders make it clear that Labor is absolutely terrified of losing the election, and what will be uncovered when the books open for someone else to see.

MG5150 just sums it up as does mchugh, ANY further restrictions there will weigh heavily on the election result against these criminals, so they will wait.
Blind Freddy could see that.

Problem from what it looks like from up here is...
If the shooters, hunters and their families haven't yet figured out that they live in a dying state run by "leaders", and would still vote for these parasites unless they further restricted firearm ownership, well, the average IQ down there must be pretty low and I feel for you blokes that suffer because of the gimme-gimme peanut voters.
The Liberal Party are such a bloody backstabbing joke, and their policies if any, are like watered down cheap non-alcoholic beer,
And One Nation just cannot cut-through to the socialist fools there who stay voting socialist even though it's causing the state to collapse in on them. Truly hopeless.
My bet is Labor will be returned. I hope not, but then, look out.

[mchughcb]

Well she can't sit in the report forever as albo will be asking for something., anything.

[Willie]

[quote="mchughcb"]What else could Stevie Wonder see?[/quote]

I believe he wrote a song " I just called to say where are you?"

[SomeoneElse]

I think the report was late by a few weeks, since it remained in the evaluation phase for quite a while after it was due. The website is just showing a “done” status for the final step, regardless of actual date that it was completed.

In my response I suggested that:
- The laws were mostly fine, and don’t need to be tighter.
- Much of the current reported crime seems to be committed by people known to the police.
- VicPol should spend more effort on spot checks of prohibited persons. Existing laws allow for this.
- VicPol should be mindful of their language/messaging as it sets the tone for mainstream media (and subsequently the level of general community fear). Their messaging should focus on the offenders, not non-sentient objects.

Maybe it’s “Frequency bias”, but I saw this a few weeks after the report was due.

IMG_5779.jpeg (364.15 KiB) Viewed 66 times

Make of it what you will. Putting such folk on the FPO list gives VicPol more ability to sort out some of the mess. If the survey results reminds VicPol to keep focussing on the offenders rather than oppressing LAFOs then it’s probably not a bad outcome.

I’m sure the AI-summarised survey results - presumably due to an overwhelming number of responses - don’t align with the current mainstream narrative, or the politicians would be trumpeting the results from the highest roofs and throwing the “mandate” word around. And I won’t be surprised if the survey results get quietly discarded if Labour get back in. They have form, even setting aside previous referendum results to run their own agenda.

I hope we get some positive change sooner than later.

Someone Else