"If the Prime Minister is serious about tackling violent crime, then she should get tough on gun control" Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said today while commenting on the Commonwealth referral of powers.

"The Commonwealth referral of powers relating to gangs that the Prime Minister announced today should extend to guns.

"Now is the time for the Prime Minister to seek both the referral of powers relating to gangs and to guns from the states to the Commonwealth.

'No one has any tolerance for gang land violence and shooting in Australian cities.' Australian Greens leader Senator Christine Milne said

'The Prime Minister's task force with additional personnel able to work across state borders will be a good step in combatting crime.

Australian Greens leader Senator Christine Milne held a press conference to discuss climate change, welcoming the scientists with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) who are meeting in Hobart this week; and also commented on Newstart, the mining tax and gun control.

Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Wednesday 17 October 2012

Australian Crime Commission

The three Tasmanian hunters arrested in Idaho have brought shame upon the state, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown told reporters today.

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has expressed shock at today's shootings in Melbourne and condolences for the victims and their families.
 
"This horrific incident highlights the need for stronger national handgun control laws. The Greens have been campaigning since 1996 to restrict handguns, in particular, semi-automatic handguns capable of causing multiple deaths," Senator Brown said.
 
"Greens amendments to ban semi-automatic handguns except for police and other legitimate uses have been voted down in the parliament."
 

Prime Minister Howard's decision to leave 80% of handguns in public circulation has been described as a stunning failure by Greens Senator Bob Brown

"The most dangerous semi-automatic longer barrel guns will now be used to buy deadlier longer barrel guns. This shoots down the PMs reputation for gun control after the Port Arthur massacre," Senator Brown said.

"The failure is endorsed by all the Labor leaders. It seems that another massacre is the price for comprehensive control.