7 years ago
LIBERALS MUST PASS FIREARMS TRAFFICKING BILL
CLARE O’NEIL MP
Right now, all that stands in the way of life imprisonment for gun traffickers becoming law is the Turnbull Government.
This February, Labor strengthened the Firearms Trafficking Bill by amendment in the Senate to introduce new aggravated offences for firearms trafficking with a penalty of life imprisonment.
Labor’s amendments were endorsed by the Government and the Opposition in the Senate.
Given both Labor and Liberal supported this Bill in the Senate, the Bill could pass the House of Representatives in a matter of minutes. But the Government refuses to take the next steps to let these tough new offences become law.
For seven months, this Bill has been languishing in the Parliament while the Liberals play politics with our gun laws.
There is serious gun trafficking occurring in Australia.
Courts should have the power to lock these criminals up for life.
The fact that these tough measures have been proposed by Labor should not stop the Government passing them through the Parliament to keep Australians safe.
The Attorney-General’s Department has made clear that “fixed or minimum penalties should be avoided”. Malcolm Turnbull and Justice Minister Michael Keenan must put community safety above politics and pass the Firearms Trafficking Bill.