The muted response to the release of the Cook Government’s firearms inquiry is a clear sign that its sensationalist approach to law-making is beginning to wear thin.

Despite attempts to dramatise the release of the Standing Committee on Legislation’s report into the Firearms Act 2024, the public and media quickly recognised the reality — the inquiry’s report could and should have been conducted before the new laws even came into effect, but instead, what emerged is a review that highlights serious failures in the way WA Police implemented the reforms.

No one disputes the need for thoughtful, robust firearms controls. The Nationals WA share the shock and grief of every West Australian in the wake of the Floreat tragedy. But it must be said plainly: that tragedy stemmed not from a lack of

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