Victorian gun crackdown delayed over political disagreement

TOUGH new gun laws targeting bikie gang members, terror suspects and Middle Eastern crime figures have hit a stumbling block with the state government and opposition in disagreement about the crackdown.

The move would offer wider powers to search homes and vehicles without a warrant.

TOUGH new gun laws targeting bikie gang members, terror suspects and Middle Eastern crime figures have hit a stumbling block with the state government and opposition in disagreement about the crackdown.

The Andrews Government’s Firearm Amendment Bill 2017 seeks to put in place tough new Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPO) designed to step up the fight against criminals who use guns.

The move would give police the power to search the premises or vehicles of anyone subject to an FPO as well as anyone in the company of someone with an order, without a warrant.

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The opposition want to change the duration of an FPO from 10 years to five years and for FPOs to be issued by assistant commissioners, rather than inspectors.

They also want a review of a decision to make a FPO to be made to a Magistrates Court and not VCAT.

The new laws were due to be debated in Parliament tonight, with the state government claiming the opposition was seeking to “water down” the proposed legislation.

Victoria Police has backed the planned laws, with senior officers believing they will be crucial in the fight against organised crime.

The Bill sought to carry a new drive-by shooting offence with up to 15 years’ jail.

Under the original government plans people found with a firearm could be jailed for a maximum of 10 years.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton has previously said 1200 to 1400 members of outlaw motorcycle clubs and hundreds of gang members could be issued with the orders after they are introduced.

The Bill also sought to carry a new drive-by shooting offence with up to 15 years’ jail for firing at a house, car or boat putting lives at risk.

The law would also reduce the number of firearms that constitute gun trafficking.

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But the government said the opposition’s proposed changes to the law would see the duration of a FPO reduced and also limit which police officers can issue the order.

Police Minister Lisa Neville told the Herald Sun: “Matthew Guy has been caught eating lobsters with alleged mobsters and now he’s doing their bidding in the Parliament.

“This is disgraceful and goes against the advice of Victoria Police and The Police Association.

“The Liberals are more interested in protecting the civil liberties of organised criminals than protecting the victims of crime.

“The only people to benefit from the Liberal Party’s changes are organised crime figures who use illegal firearms and cause significant harm in our community.”

Edward O’Donohue, the opposition’s police spokesman, fired back at the government.

“We strongly support the bill before the House and have proposed amendments to improve the operation of the regime.

“Rather than playing politics with such an important issue, Lisa Neville should be working with the Coalition in the interests of community safety.”

He added: “Lisa Neville’s response to the serious and important issues raised by the Opposition regarding the scope and oversight of firearms prohibition orders is petulant, immature and unbecoming of a Minister, yet further evidence that she simply isn’t up to the job of managing these critical issues.”

When the new law is agreed upon, it is expected to be introduced by next September.

Police Association of Victoria Secretary, Wayne Gatt, said: “We understand that both sides of politics are broadly supportive of laws to introduce firearm prohibition orders. When legitimate concerns are raised on issues of public safety, it’s incumbent on all sides to sit down and work it out for the benefit of the community.”

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