Tasmania's Police Minister Felix Ellis has issued an apology after naming the gunman responsible for the 1996 Port Arthur massacre during a recent budget estimates hearing. His comments were met with backlash from survivors, with one stating that naming the perpetrator showed a lack of empathy and understanding of the trauma experienced by victims and their families. The Port Arthur massacre, which occurred on April 28, 1996, resulted in 35 deaths and left many survivors with lasting psychological scars. During the hearing, Ellis was questioned about his lack of engagement with survivors regarding proposed federal gun law changes, particularly in light of the recent Bondi massacre. He acknowledged he had not met with survivors but expressed a willingness to do so. Critics, including Labor MP Ella Haddad, called his remarks flippant and indicative of ignorance towards the ongoing impact of the tragedy on Tasmanian society. Following the criticism, Ellis reaffirmed his commitment to engage with survivors as discussions on sensible firearms policies continue in Tasmania.