A firearms licence was reinstated to a man just months before he shot dead his teenage son and himself, in another horrific domestic violence incident that’s left a small community in NSW reeling.
The bodies of 58-year-old Wayne Smith and 15-year-old Noah were found with gunshot wounds at their home in Yamba in the Northern Rivers on Thursday, in an apparent murder-suicide.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley is hoping a coronial investigation will shed light on what led to the “terrible set of circumstances” and has promised to act on any recommendations.
Smith’s gun licence was suspended in August 2021 over mental health concerns but restored the following year.
Ms Catley said it was difficult to speculate about Smith’s mental health between when the licence was reinstated and when the shootings took place.
An independent medical assessment was undertaken, as required by the NSW Firearms Registry, as well as a risk assessment in order for the licence to be reinstated in December.
“They determined that he was capable of holding a licence again,” she told Sydney radio 2GB on Thursday.
Although Ms Catley maintained there was a “very robust process” around acquiring a firearms licence in NSW, she conceded “there is room for improvement”.
“If the coronial investigation can … recommend ways to improve the licence process we will make sure that that happens swiftly,” she said.
The incident has shaken the small fishing town.
North Coast District Commander Shane Cribb described the events as an “absolutely tragic situation” when speaking to reporters on Friday.
“The main thing is to wrap as much support around everyone as we can,” Supt Cribb said.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
– AAP
