News that a former outlaw bikie gang president successfully overturned an anti-gun order highlights yet another failure of the Andrews Labor Government on community safety.
Daniel Andrews ignored amendments proposed by the Victorian Liberal Nationals that FPO appeals be heard in the Magistrates Court, not VCAT, given these orders relate to serious criminal matters.
Colin Websdale, a man with 26 previous criminal convictions, including violence, drugs and firearms offences, succeeded in having his Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) repealed at VCAT even though it was found his association with the Rebels did pose a risk to public safety.
The court decision came only a week after Police Minister Lisa Neville described the new laws as “really working well”, and paves the way for future appeals against the 165 total orders issued.
Having recently witnessed a period of 8 fatal shootings in as many weeks, Victorians should be rightly concerned that Daniel Andrews’ anti-gun laws have failed at the first test.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick:
“When it comes to law and order, Daniel Andrews has the reverse Midas touch – everything he touches gets worse, not better.
It’s little wonder why violent crime is up in Victoria when Daniel Andrews can’t get the laws right to keep guns off the street.”