The grieving families of two police officers murdered in a horrific 2022 ambush have issued a powerful plea for gun reform, urging Queensland's state government to end political "bickering" and support a proposed national firearm buyback scheme.
Families' Plea Follows Coroner's Findings
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, alongside neighbour Alan Dare, were gunned down by conspiracy theorists suffering from severe mental delusions at a remote property near Wieambilla in December 2022. A recent coronial inquest into the tragedy highlighted critical flaws in weapons licensing and recommended the state consider mandatory mental health checks for licence applicants.
Speaking on behalf of both officers' families, Rachel McCrow's mother, Judy McCrow, voiced strong support for the federal government's plan to tighten gun laws and implement a buyback. "We fully support the federal government in its plan to tighten guns laws and promote the national gun buyback scheme," she stated. She emphasised that research indicates theft of legal firearms is now a primary source of illegal guns in Australia.
Political Standoff Over State Support
The call comes amid a significant political clash, as The Guardian understands the Queensland LNP government decided not to back the federal buyback program during a lengthy cabinet meeting on Monday. This follows similar refusals from Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on all states to jointly fund and administer a scheme reminiscent of the successful 1996-97 buyback after the Port Arthur massacre.
State Labor leader Steven Miles accused Premier David Crisafulli of undermining community safety, warning that Queensland risks becoming a refuge for dangerous weapons if it opts out. "You cannot be tough on crime while you are soft on guns," Miles asserted.
Legislative Moves and National Register
Despite the buyback disagreement, a Queensland government spokesperson confirmed cabinet had committed to introducing both hate crime and gun control legislation on the first day of parliament, 10 February. The details, however, remain unclear after Housing Minister Sam O'Connor gave few specifics, deferring questions to the premier and other ministers.
Nationally, progress continues on a national firearms register, agreed upon by national cabinet in 2023 and slated for development by 2028. Furthermore, the lower house of federal parliament passed its own gun reform legislation on Tuesday, which is expected to pass the Senate with Greens support.
Judy McCrow's central message was one of urgent unity, stressing that the Bondi and Wieambilla tragedies prove that even previously law-abiding gun owners can become a threat. Her appeal is for politicians to prioritise public safety over partisan disputes to prevent further loss of life.
