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An escalation of crime is chief among the fears of greater Launceston residents if the state government’s changes to firearms legislation is passed. In response to his constituents’ fears, Windermere Independent MLC Ivan Dean will move to establish a select committee to investigate every angle of the government’s proposed gun law reforms. The reforms were aired two days before the March 3 election, which is of concern to Mr Dean. “I have said before I don’t think the government should say they have a mandate on this because they brought it out two days before the election,” Mr Dean said. “That doesn’t give people enough time to consider it and make up their minds.” The Windermere electorate takes in the east side of the Tamar River, including George Town, Low Head, Windermere, Dilston, Relbia, Hillwood and Bell Bay, plus Launceston suburbs Rocherlea, Newnham, Mowbray, Mayfield, Ravenswood and St Leonards. Since the reforms were announced, Mr Dean said about 15 people had approached him with concerns about what they see as a “relaxation” of the firearm laws. “It’s one of the first things people ask me about, but until we know more about the changes I can’t give them any answers,” he said. He said while there had been some farmers approach him with their thoughts on the issue, he said the majority of people were worried the laws would lead to easier gun access and more crime. The motion will be moved on the first sitting day. A government spokesman said it would be open to discussing the proposal. “As the government has previously stated, we won’t do anything that contravenes the national firearms agreement. However, we understand that changes to firearm legislation is a sensitive issue.”

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