Finding into death without inquest – AT (Link to Coroners Court Victoria).
AT died in 2024 from a self inflicted gunshot wound, using one of a number of firearms registered to him.
The available evidence suggested that AT was diagnosed with multiple mental health and substance abuse issues in 2017 and 2019. AT was also subject to inpatient admission for mental health treatment at a hospital in August 2021.
In records provided to the Court it was evident that AT had failed to disclose his relevant mental health treatment and substance abuse history on his firearm renewal applications lodged in November 2022 and May 2023, despite the fact that these treatments were within the five-year declaratory window at that time.
The Coroner recommended that the Victorian Government consider legislative amendments that address the issue of self reporting health conditions for firearm license applications and renewals. The Coroner recommended that the onus should be placed on applicants to provide appropriate medical evidence confirming their suitability to apply for or renew their firearms license.
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