[Greens-Media] Maitland murder-suicide tragedy highlights need for gun accessinquiry

[Kristian Bolwell]

MEDIA RELEASE
29 March 2005

Maitland murder-suicide tragedy highlights need for gun access inquiry

Greens MP and Justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon will refer reports that
firearms were present in the home of Sally Winter and her husband
despite both parties taking out Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) to a
NSW Parliament inquiry - Ms Winter, her husband and their children died
in a murder-suicide in Maitland earlier this month. 

"In NSW gun licences should be automatically suspended when AVOs are
lodged. In this tragic case the community needs to know what steps the
police took to confiscate firearms from the Winter home," Ms Rhiannon
said.

"The Greens support the call of the National Coalition for Gun
Control for an inquiry to be held. 

"I am particularly alarmed that there are consistent reports that the
people involved in this tragedy had both taken out AVOs against each
other and still had access to firearm arsenals. 

"Gun ownership should be highly restricted and in circumstances of
domestic violence, guns should be banned, period. 
 
"There needs to be a full inquiry into why firearms were not removed
from the Winter home and if current laws governing firearm suspension
and AVOs are being enforced. 

"I will refer this matter to an Upper House Committee for full
investigation.  We need to know if there is a problem with the law or if
the police are failing to enforce this law. 

"This inquiry is urgently needed to ensure we do not have a repeat of
this tragedy," Ms Rhiannon said.

More information:  Kristian Bolwell, 9230 3551, 0411638320