A coronial inquest has highlighted the urgent need for reforms to gun licensing in New South Wales, following a tragic incident in which a man with a history of mental illness was allowed to reclaim his firearms, only to later use one to kill his son and himself.
Content warning: This article includes distressing details.
On June 1, 2023, Wayne Smith fatally shot his 15-year-old son Noah while he slept in their Yamba home before taking his own life.
The inquest, overseen by State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan, heard from medical professionals, law enforcement, and representatives from the NSW Firearms Registry about how Smith, aged 58, had his firearm licence reinstated despite documented mental health issues.
In her closing address, Counsel Assisting Donna Ward SC put forward several recommendations aimed at tightening firearm licensing procedures, such as requiring general practitioners to report any safety concerns regarding patients who own firearms.
Ms Ward pointed to a failure in communication among the healthcare providers treating Mr Smith, stating, “We don’t have any simple solutions to that problem.”
The inquest also shed light on limited mental health services in northern NSW, both in community settings and hospitals.
According to Ms Ward, at the time of the tragedy, the NSW Firearms Registry had procedural shortcomings. However, since then, the Firearms Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 has introduced new regulations around gun ownership and licensing.
Calls for stronger safeguards
Ms Ward outlined a series of recommendations for consideration by the Minister for Police and the Police Commissioner during the review of these legislative changes. Suggestions included adding a standard question about firearm licences during GP visits and placing a legal obligation on GPs to notify police if they are concerned about a gun-owning patient’s safety.
Other proposals included mandatory dual mental health risk assessments for individuals with suicidal thoughts within the past five years.
The inquest also heard about the complex but loving relationship between Wayne Smith and his son.
Additional recommendations suggested that gun licence holders should provide a valid reason for acquiring extra firearms and that the Firearms Registry apply stricter scrutiny when “hunting” or “vermin control” is cited as the reason for ownership.
The Smith family gave their submissions in a closed session later in the day.
The Coroner is expected to deliver formal recommendations based on the inquest’s findings in the coming months.
