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.