In the wake of the devastating Wieambilla police shooting in 2022, the families of the slain officers have thrown their support behind the federal government’s proposed gun buyback scheme. The parents of Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, along with civilian Alan Dare, who were gunned down by conspiracy theorists suffering from delusions, are now urging the Queensland government to back the nationwide initiative.
The Wieambilla inquest revealed significant shortcomings in Australia’s weapons licensing and registration programs, prompting calls for mandatory mental health assessments for applicants. A recent study by the Australia Institute also found that the theft of legally owned firearms has become the primary source of illegal guns in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the victims’ families, Rachel’s mother, Judy McCrow, emphasised the need for comprehensive gun reform. “We fully support the federal government in its plan to tighten gun laws and promote the national gun buyback scheme,” she said. “As highlighted in both the Bondi and Wieambilla tragedies, even previous law-abiding gun owners can change for the worse.”
The push for reform comes as the Queensland government grapples with the issue, with cabinet meeting for over four hours on Monday to consider legislation proposed by the Police Minister and Attorney General. However, the state’s Housing Minister, Sam O’Connor, provided few details, stating that the proposals would need to be reconsidered by the cabinet.
The opposition Labor leader, Steven Miles, has accused the Premier, David Crisafulli, of “dodging media questions and undermining community safety.” Miles warned that if Queensland fails to support the national buyback scheme, the state could become a “refuge for dangerous guns and dangerous people.”
The federal government’s gun reform bill, which includes limits on the number of firearms individuals can own, has already passed the lower house and is expected to clear the Senate with the support of the Greens. Meanwhile, New South Wales has enacted its own counter-terrorism legislation, which restricts firearm ownership to Australian citizens and typically limits individuals to just four guns.
As the political debate continues, the families of the Wieambilla victims have called for an end to “bickering” and a renewed focus on public safety. With the Queensland government’s stance still uncertain, the outcome of this critical issue could have far-reaching implications for the state and the nation as a whole.
