WA Liberals reaffirm firearm review promise following panel discussion in Geraldton

The WA Liberals have reaffirmed promises of a parliamentary review on gun laws after hosting a panel on firearms in Geraldton.

On Sunday, December 8, the Geraldton Clay Target Club hosted the Liberals’ Bite the Bullet firearms forum.

Labor’s laws passed earlier this year, making it more difficult to get firearms licences, with stronger evidence needed for why the guns are required.

More than 100 people went to the event to hear from Durack MP Melissa Price, member for North West Central Merome Beard and Geraldton candidate Tim Milnes about the Liberals’ stance on guns.

Meanwhile, former police firearms instructor Lance French also spoke at the event, a day after the Liberal Party State council voted to deny his nomination as the Central Wheatbelt candidate.

Geraldton Clay Target Club president Jim Chandler said Mr French’s former role meant he was qualified to speak on the day.

“He was more qualified to talk about firearms than anyone else standing up the front,” he said.

The WA Liberals confirmed their intention to have the firearms laws reviewed by a parliamentary committee, and would change any impacts to property rights and freedoms after the review.

Mr Chandler said there was optimism after the event, but said drastic change at the polls in March would be needed to rescind the laws.

“(The Liberal Party) promised to put it through to a parliamentary review,” he said.

“They can’t really promise to rescind the whole lot unless they get absolute majority like Labor’s got now, otherwise it just gets defeated so it doesn’t happen.”

Liberal candidate for Geraldton Tim Milnes said the party’s stance was about fairness for everyone.

“We’re not about grandstanding and offering unrealistic promises,” he said.

“The Liberal Party has proposed a clear, workable and achievable path to review and amend these laws, ensuring that fairness is restored, while maintaining community safety.

“Labor’s overreach will not go unchallenged.”

Meanwhile, Ms Price said she supported the WA Liberals in their call for a review.

Ms Beard was also contacted for comment.