The families of police officers murdered in a horrific 2022 ambush have made an impassioned plea for gun reform, urging an end to political "bickering" and backing a proposed federal gun buyback scheme. Their call comes as the Queensland state government is understood to be preparing to reject the national program.
Families' plea in wake of tragedy
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, along with neighbour Alan Dare, were shot and killed by conspiracy theorists suffering from mental delusions at a remote property near Wieambilla in December 2022. Speaking on behalf of both officers' families, Rachel McCrow's mother, Judy McCrow, voiced strong support for tighter gun laws.
"We fully support the federal government in its plan to tighten guns laws and promote the national gun buyback scheme," McCrow stated. She highlighted research from the Australia Institute indicating that theft of legal firearms is now the primary source of illegal guns in the country.
"As highlighted in both the Bondi and Wieambilla tragedies, even previous law-abiding gun owners can change for the worse," she added, calling for a unified political approach.
Queensland's anticipated rejection sparks political row
The Guardian understands that Queensland's Liberal National Party (LNP) government decided not to support the federal buyback program during a marathon cabinet meeting on Monday. This follows similar decisions by Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on all states and territories to jointly fund and administer a buyback scheme, modelled on the landmark 1996-97 program implemented after the Port Arthur massacre.
The decision has ignited a fierce political clash. State Labor leader Steven Miles accused Premier David Crisafulli of undermining community safety and effectively vetoing the national scheme. "David Crisafulli likes to say he is tough on crime, but you cannot be tough on crime while you are soft on guns," Miles said, warning Queensland could become a "refuge" for dangerous weapons.
Inquest findings and the path to a national register
The political debate follows a coronial inquest into the Wieambilla shootings, which exposed significant deficiencies in Australia's weapons licensing and registration systems. The inquest recommended Queensland consider introducing mandatory mental health assessments for weapons licence applicants.
In a separate development, national cabinet agreed in 2023 to establish a national firearms register, with development slated for completion by 2028.
A Queensland government spokesperson stated that cabinet had committed to introducing hate and gun control legislation on the first day of parliament, 10 February. Housing Minister Sam O'Connor indicated the comprehensive policy work would be ready for that sitting week, but details remain scarce as key ministers avoided questions on Tuesday.
The issue continues to dominate Australian politics, with the federal House of Representatives passing its own gun reform legislation on Tuesday, against Coalition opposition. The bill is expected to pass the Senate with Greens support.
