Letter Writing Centre

Step 1

Find who to write to

Start with your local representatives, then consider writing to Ministers, party leaders and key decision makers.

Step 2

Choose your key points

Focus on the issues that matter most to you, your family, your club, your farm, your business or your community.

Step 3

Send your letter

Use your own words where possible. A personal and respectful letter is always stronger than a copied template.

A. Evidence-based policy

Firearm law changes should be based on clear evidence, not public perception or political pressure.

• Any changes to firearm laws should be based on clear evidence, not public perception or political pressure.
• The Government should explain how proposed firearm caps or buybacks would reduce crime or improve public safety.
• Policy should target the source of firearm crime, not people who are already licensed, checked and compliant.
• Law changes should be supported by data, proper risk assessment and transparent reasoning.

B. Law-abiding firearm owners are not criminals

Licensed firearm owners already operate under strict rules, checks and compliance requirements.

• Licensed firearm owners already undergo background checks, waiting periods, storage requirements and ongoing compliance.
• Law-abiding Tasmanians should not be punished for the actions of criminals.
• The focus should be on illegal firearms, firearm trafficking, organised crime and violent offenders.
• Compliant firearm owners should be treated fairly and proportionately.

C. No arbitrary firearm caps

Any proposed firearm cap must be clearly justified and reflect legitimate needs.

• Any proposed firearm cap must be justified with clear evidence.
• The Government should explain how any cap number was chosen and whether it is based on research or risk.
• A single blanket cap may not fairly reflect different legitimate needs, licence categories, sports, occupations or rural uses.
• Firearm ownership should be assessed against genuine reason, safe storage and compliance, not an arbitrary number.

D. Concerns about buybacks

Buyback proposals must be properly justified, costed and targeted at genuine public safety outcomes.

• A buyback targeting law-abiding owners may be costly while doing little to address illegal firearms or criminal misuse.
• Public money may be better directed toward enforcement, border control, illegal firearm trafficking and repeat violent offenders.
• Any buyback proposal should clearly explain the cost, scope, evidence base and expected public safety benefit.
• Lawful owners should not be forced to surrender legally acquired property without clear justification and fair process.

E. Sporting, club and recreational impacts

Shooting clubs and sporting shooters are part of safe, structured and responsible community sport.

• Shooting clubs provide safe, structured and supervised environments.
• Sporting shooters often require different firearms for different disciplines, calibres, competition requirements and backup equipment.
• Further restrictions could reduce participation, harm clubs and discourage juniors, families and volunteers.
• Clubs contribute to regional communities, local businesses, events and responsible firearm education.

F. Hunting, farming and land management

Firearms are practical tools for many Tasmanians, especially in rural and regional areas.

• Firearms are practical tools for farmers, landholders and hunters.
• Pest control, livestock protection and property management are real needs in rural and regional Tasmania.
• Hunting also plays a role in food gathering, conservation and land management.
• Blanket restrictions may disproportionately affect rural and regional Tasmanians.

G. Industry and economic impacts

Law changes can create real financial, administrative and economic impacts across Tasmania.

• Firearm law changes can affect clubs, dealers, ranges, trainers, event organisers, farmers, pest controllers and regional businesses.
• New laws may increase licensing costs, storage costs, compliance costs and administrative workload.
• The Government should explain who bears these costs and whether the burden is justified.
• Any economic and social impacts should be properly assessed before changes are made.

H. Consultation and transparency

Affected communities deserve genuine consultation before decisions are made.

• The people most affected by these laws deserve genuine consultation.
• Sporting shooters, hunters, farmers, collectors, clubs, dealers, rural communities and industry groups should be included.
• The Government should be transparent about who was consulted and what feedback was received.
• If consultation has occurred, submissions, recommendations or summaries should be made public where appropriate.

I. Better focus on criminal enforcement

Public safety is best improved by targeting criminal misuse, not compliant people.

• Resources should be focused on illegal firearms, organised crime, trafficking, border control and repeat violent offenders.
• Law-abiding firearm owners are already known to authorities and subject to strict compliance requirements.
• Public safety is best improved by targeting those who misuse firearms, not those who follow the law.
• Existing laws should be properly enforced before adding more restrictions to compliant people.

J. Questions to ask MPs

Clear, direct questions help keep the discussion focused on evidence, fairness and public safety.

• What evidence supports firearm caps?
• How will these laws reduce crime?
• How many firearm offences involve legally owned firearms?
• What consultation occurred before these proposals were developed?
• Were hunters, farmers, clubs, collectors, dealers and sporting shooters properly consulted?
• Why is the focus on licensed owners rather than illegal firearms and criminal misuse?
• What will the financial and administrative cost be?
• Will you commit to opposing unfair restrictions on law-abiding Tasmanians?

K. Personal stories matter

A personal, respectful letter is often stronger than a copied template.

• Explain your personal connection to shooting, hunting, farming, collecting, clubs or outdoor recreation.
• Mention how proposed changes could affect your family, property, sport, business, club or community.
• Keep your letter respectful, factual and personal.
• A letter in your own words is stronger than a copied template.