The Palaszczuk Government’s new Weapons Consultation Forum met for the first time in Brisbane today.

Minister for Police Bill Byrne said the first meeting of the new forum was well received by all stakeholders.

“I acknowledge there are strong views from different sectors about different aspects of firearms regulation and licensing,” Minister Byrne said.

“Today’s meeting was about setting the foundations of the forum and commencing initial discussions around weapons licensing.

“As a government, we need to ensure that any policies reflect the diverse needs and interests of key stakeholders.

“That’s why, we established the new Weapons Consultation Forum and today’s meeting demonstrated the importance of engaging with all relevant stakeholders.

“We know it’s important to ensure that voices of moderation, and the broader views of community members, are filtered into any proposal to shift weapons regulation in Queensland.

“Our first meeting demonstrated the difference between the Palaszczuk Government’s Weapons Consultation Forum and the former Government’s Ministerial Weapons Advisory Panel.

“Today’s meeting was represented by a balanced representation of members, including victims of crime organisations, AgForce, CrimeStoppers, Police and sporting and recreational shooters.

"While I have expressed my personal views publicly in relation to firearms regulations in Queensland, there has been no policy changes made to the firearms policy since the Palaszczuk Government came into office.

“Like former Prime Minister John Howard, I believe weapons’ regulations require constant regulatory review to ensure our regulation stays up to date as the security situation in Australia changes.

“The Federal Government is currently leading a technical review of the National Firearms Agreement. The Queensland Government is represented on this review by the Queensland Police Service.

“My government has no intention of leaving the National Firearms Agreement. It’s in place to protect Queenslanders and our primary concern in all manners relating to weapons will always be community safety.

“The intent of the Queensland Government’s Weapons Advisory forum is to engage and consult with key stakeholders on weapons policy and regulation in Queensland.”

Minister Byrne said the Weapons Advisory Forum will meet again before the end of the year.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services

The Honourable Bill Byrne