Australia’s first legal officer is bringing together the nation’s police ministers to urgently progress the national firearms register.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus will convene the roundtable on Monday as the federal government works to expedite the development of the register after high-profile shootings.
National cabinet ordered police ministers to report back by the middle of the year after the shooting of two police officers and a third person in Wieambilla, Queensland in December.
Mr Dreyfus said Australia already had some of the world’s strongest gun laws but there was room for improvement.
“The Albanese government is committed to working closely with jurisdictions on this initiative, which is vital to preserve the safety of the community and police,” he said.
“A national firearms register will ensure police across all Australian jurisdictions have timely and accurate information to assess any firearms risk posed and protect the community from harm.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a necessary measure after state and territory leaders were briefed by Australia’s top spy about the rise of right-wing extremism and so-called “sovereign citizens”.
— AAP
