The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is calling for the introduction of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) in the ACT following a string of alarming firearm-related incidents in recent weeks.
These incidents have escalated concerns regarding public safety and organised crime within the territory. Specifically, the incidents include a violent altercation that left one man with minor injuries, another man requiring hospitalisation, a residence being shot at, and the fatal shooting of a family pet.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said that across Australia, all states and territories have enacted Firearm Prohibition Order legislation as part of their efforts to combat gun-related violence and organised crime.
“However, the ACT remains an exception, leaving a critical gap in the territory’s ability to effectively address the growing threat of firearm misuse.
“The AFPA believes that the introduction of FPOs in the ACT would be a significant step toward curbing gun violence and disrupting the illegal gun trade that fuels organised crime,” Mr Caruana said.
Firearm Prohibition Orders are legal instruments that allow law enforcement agencies to prevent individuals from possessing or acquiring firearms. These orders are typically issued against people who have been identified as a significant risk to public safety or are known to be involved in organised crime or violent activity.
In other states, FPOs have proven effective in reducing the availability of firearms to dangerous individuals, thus preventing firearm-related crimes before they happen.
Mr Caruana said that the ACT Government has been inactive on this subject for several years.
“The AFPA has been advocating for the introduction of FPOs in the ACT for years, but it has never been placed on the Government’s agenda or prioritised. Just a few weeks ago, we had a meeting with the ACT Attorney-General, and we raised this very issue.
“It was only a few years ago that a series of drive-by shootings linked to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs occurred in the ACT. Even in the face of such violent events, the government chose not to pursue FPOs.
“This lack of action is effectively sending a signal that the territory is open for business to organised crime groups who can freely operate without fear of serious legal repercussions for firearm-related offences, including the trafficking of firearms and firearm parts,” Mr Caruana said.
The AFPA has been urging the ACT Government to look at successful FPO models already in place in other states, such as New South Wales and Victoria, as a potential framework for reform.
Mr Caruana said that other states have already developed effective models for FPOs, and the ACT Government simply needs to adopt the most successful elements of those models.
“FPOs have proven to be a valuable tool in states like New South Wales and Victoria, where they have been used to prevent gun violence and dismantle criminal networks that rely on firearms.
“These orders are designed to be applied in a targeted manner, focusing on individuals who have been flagged as threats to public safety due to their involvement in organised crime or violent activity. By keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals, FPOs serve as an effective deterrent and help prevent the escalation of violence.
“The AFPA is more than willing to work with the Attorney-General, the ACT Government, or any Member of the Legislative Assembly who is prepared to put forward a private member’s bill regarding this reform. This is about ensuring the safety of the community and taking meaningful steps to reduce the threat of gun-related violence,” Mr Caruana said.
For comments:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
