‘Lethal Loophole’: Coroner Slams Victoria’s ‘Rubber-Stamping’ Gun Licence System After Tragic Death of Man Who Failed to Report Mental Health Issues
- A Victorian coroner has called for urgent changes to the state’s firearms licensing regime after a man with a history of mental health issues was able to renew his gun licence without disclosing his struggles.
- The coroner’s report reveals a ‘lethal loophole’ in the system, which relies on self-reporting and has been described as a ‘rubber-stamping process’.
- The Victorian government has accepted recommendations to strengthen renewal requirements, but the coroner’s report highlights the need for more robust checks to prevent similar tragedies.
- The case has sparked concerns about the risk of family violence and the need for better information sharing between authorities.
The devastating case of a Victorian man who took his own life with a firearm has exposed a ‘lethal loophole’ in the state’s gun licensing system, prompting calls for urgent reform.
Coroner Simon McGregor has slammed the current regime as a ‘rubber-stamping process’ that fails to adequately assess the suitability of applicants. The case highlights the need for more robust checks to prevent similar tragedies and has sparked concerns about the risk of family violence.
AT, a 42-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, was able to renew his firearms licence without disclosing his struggles. He had been diagnosed with depression and adjustment disorder and had sought treatment for ketamine misuse.
Despite this, he was able to obtain a licence renewal, which ultimately proved fatal. AT’s death has left his family and loved ones reeling, and has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the current system.
The coroner’s report reveals that AT’s case is not an isolated incident. Between 2016 and 2025, Victoria recorded 342 firearms deaths by suicide.
The report highlights the need for a more robust system that prioritises the safety of applicants and the broader community.
The Victorian government has accepted recommendations to strengthen renewal requirements, including the introduction of a reporting pathway for medical practitioners to notify Victoria Police when a licence-holder’s health condition may impact their ongoing fitness to hold a licence.
However, the coroner’s report notes that doctors have no way of knowing a patient has a gun licence unless the information is volunteered.
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The case highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to firearms licensing, one that prioritises the safety of applicants and the broader community.
The current system’s reliance on self-reporting is a recipe for disaster, and the coroner’s report is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction.
The Victorian government’s decision to reject calls for a cap on the number of firearms a person can own is a missed opportunity to address this issue.
Security analysts say that the case underscores the importance of robust background checks and information sharing between authorities.
“The fact that AT was able to obtain a licence renewal despite his history of mental health issues is a clear indication that the system is broken,” said one expert.
“We need to do better to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
Law enforcement insiders warn that the current system creates a significant risk of family violence.
“Firearm ownership can be a major risk factor in family violence, and it’s essential that we have a system in place that identifies and mitigates this risk,” said one source.
The case has also sparked concerns about the need for better support services for people struggling with mental health issues.
“We need to do more to support people who are struggling with mental health issues, and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to stay safe,” said a mental health advocate.
In the wake of this tragedy, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to address the ‘lethal loophole’ in Victoria’s firearms licensing system.
The coroner’s report is a call to action, and it’s essential that the Victorian government takes heed of its recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
