Media release

Petition on firearms to be considered into existing inquiry into legislation on proposed firearms reforms

The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs has announced it will be inquiring into E-Petition 002-26: Firearms Reform – Evidence Bases Policy and Proper Consultation.

The Committee notes that the terms of the petition relate directly to two bills currently being inquired into by the Committee. The Committee has therefore decided to incorporate an inquiry into the petition with its current inquiry into legislation on proposed firearms reform.

The Chair, Ms Chiaka Barry, said: ‘The Committee notes the terms of the petition reflect the views of many submissions being considered as part of our current inquiry into firearm legislation reform bills. The Committee therefore considers it appropriate that the inquiry into the petition be combined with the current bill inquiry as it will avoid multiple submissions being made across separate inquiries.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry are available on the inquiry webpage: [link].

Information about how to make a submission is available on the Assembly website. People who have already made a submission to the inquiry need not make a further submission if they have no further issues to raise.

Submissions close on 10 April 2026.

The Committee will announce public hearings in due course.

The Committee will report by 24 May 2026.

02 April 2026

STATEMENT ENDS