In June 2024, the Cook Labor Government forced the Firearms Act 2024 through Parliament, cutting off debate with over 480 unexamined clauses.

This followed a rushed public consultation period in late 2023 that lasted just one month, despite 12,500 West Australians requesting a three-month extension.

The Government also used its parliamentary majority to block an Opposition motion for a full parliamentary inquiry into the bill, ignoring the voices of over 32,000 people who signed a petition calling for comprehensive scrutiny.

The petitioners urged the Cook Labor Government to support law-abiding firearms owners, focus resources on addressing unlicensed firearms, and allow a proper review to address their concerns.

They called for the bill to be referred to a parliamentary inquiry to ensure its impacts were fully understood.

A parliamentary inquiry would have provided an essential platform for concerned stakeholders — such as law enforcement agencies, animal control organisations, and responsible firearms owners — to share their perspectives and recommend necessary amendments to improve the legislation.

The WA Liberals firmly believe rushing the bill through the Upper House prevented thorough consideration, leaving the legislation riddled with errors and unintended consequences.

The Government itself made multiple amendments after introducing the bill, tacitly acknowledging opportunities to improve the laws and better protect the community.

However, they have refused to support a formal review process.

Reviewing this legislation will make Western Australians safer.

Only a WA Liberal Government will do it.

The WA Liberals believe firearms laws should be the gold standard — fair, effective, and focused on keeping Western Australians safe while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

To be clear, the WA Liberals will not repeal these laws.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t serious issues — these laws are not beyond review or improvement.

If you’re convicted of murder overseas, under Labor’s laws you will still be able to get a firearm licence in WA.

If you’re convicted of a crime that disqualifies you from holding a Working with Children Check, under Labor’s laws you may still be able to get a firearm licence in WA.

Animal rescue organisations have also expressed concerns about their ability to use firearms to euthanise sick and injured animals, under Labor’s laws these organisations may not be able to get a licence in WA.

It is simply inexcusable that, under Roger Cook’s half-baked   and unscrutinised reforms, every single one of those things can occur in Western Australia.

A Liberal Government will ensure this legislation receives the thorough scrutiny needed to address flaws, enhance community safety, and protect the rights of law-abiding firearms owners.

Western Australians deserve a government that delivers the best possible firearms laws — laws that are fair, logical, and designed to enhance community safety.

Only the WA Liberal Party is committed to strengthening our laws and ensuring they are sensible to keep Western Australians safe.