Police prosecutor Senior Constable Giles Brown made an application for a warrant for Joel Vermeend's arrest at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court.

Defence lawyer Matt McLellan said he had attempted to contact his client on Tuesday morning, but Vermeend had not answered the phone.

He said Vermeend had improved his engagement with the Court Integrated Services Program while he was on bail, but the new offending was 'admittedly serious'.

"He is someone who it is clear has mental health difficulties and significant drug issues," Mr McLellan said.

Magistrate Ron Saines said it seemed Vermeend was reluctant to be accountable to the law.

"It appears to me Mr Vermeend has taken the strategy he has blown his chances and intends to remain on the run as long as he can," he said.

Mr Saines issued a warrant in light of the fresh firearms offences and his failure to answer bail.

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