Teacher in shock as gun dealer opens next to Margate Primary School

A Southern Tasmanian schoolteacher was alarmed to learn that a gun dealer will be selling firearms right next door to the local school.

A schoolteacher was alarmed to learn that a gun dealer will be selling firearms right next door to the Margate Primary School on Van Morey Road.

Kaspar Deane attended Margate Primary back in the late 90s and was shocked to learn that the owner of The Italian Pantry would be selling guns right next to his alma mater.

Mr Deane, a Kingborough Council candidate, said he was worried about it as a young father, a primary school teacher, and as a Kingborough resident.

“How are little kids going to understand that there are guns right next to their classrooms, that there are things that kill people so close to where they go to school?” he said.

“I’ve spoken to some of the teachers, and they’re worried. How are they going to explain to their kids and have those conversations?

“I’ve just had a boy and I’d think twice about sending my kid to a school where there are guns in storage next to the classroom. I think parents have the right to question this.”

Kingborough Council candidate Kaspar Deanee outside The Italian Pantry that is next to Margate Primary School. Picture: Chris Kidd

Gun dealer and Italian Pantry owner Matteo Rao said the whole operation was completely legal, and that the firearm parts would be locked away in safes as per the gun laws.

Mr Rao said the guns would be sent in from interstate and kept on-site only for a short period of time before being picked up by customers from his shop.

School Guns

He said he would only be holding onto the firearms as a registered gun dealer, and all customers would need to provide a proper gun licence before picking up their order.

Mr Rao said this was for private pick-ups only, and would not impact on the rest of the neighbourhood in any way.

School Guns

“I’m not selling guns to the general public, nor am I advertising that I’m selling guns to the general public… if he didn’t take issue with it, no one would know,” Mr Rao said.

“Everyone’s got the right to have an objection to something, but just because you don’t like something it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen.

“I mean, I don’t like vegans, but I have to put up with them. I don’t stop vegans from coming into my shop.”

Mr Rao said Mr Deane was being “triggered”, and that his business was in danger of being crushed by cancel culture.

Mr Deane said he remained worried about the sheer proximity of a gun dealer to a primary school, even if was allowed by the law.

He said he was surprised there were no zoning laws preventing this kind of thing from happening.

“I’m worried about the students, the teachers, the parents, and for the Kingborough community,” he said.

Gun dealers need approval for a license, but do not need approval from their local council to set up business.

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