The Australian Federal Government has split its gun control legislation into two bills to ensure the passage of a buy-back scheme through the Senate. This decision comes as new statistics reveal that there are now more than four times as many firearms in Australia as there are firearm licences. According to figures from the Home Affairs Department released on January 18, 2024, the total number of firearms has reached a record high of 4,113,735, while firearm licences total only 929,741.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), there are 22,857 firearms compared to just 7,315 licences, demonstrating a significant imbalance. New South Wales (NSW) holds the highest number of firearms at 1,158,654, followed closely by Queensland with 1,143,895 and Victoria at 974,279. The ACT, despite having the lowest number of firearms, still shows three times the number of firearms than licences issued.
These figures support the government’s argument for stricter gun control measures, including closing loopholes that allow multiple firearms per licence. The Government aims to make gun ownership more stringent, following the legacy of former Prime Minister John Howard, who introduced tough gun ownership laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which left a profound impact on Australian society.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of these reforms in light of recent events, including the Bondi terror attack in December. “Our number one priority is keeping all Australians safe,” Burke stated. “That’s why we’re finishing the work of the Howard Government and getting dangerous guns off our streets.”
The government’s strategy to advance the legislation has faced challenges. The proposed gun control laws have been separated from a broader set of hate speech reforms, with the latter being dropped entirely. The Greens have indicated their support for the gun buy-back scheme and ownership reforms, while both the Greens and the Coalition have expressed opposition to the racial vilification provisions of the legislation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Federal Parliament would dedicate time for a condolence motion on Monday, honoring the 15 victims of the Bondi attack. He indicated that hate speech and gun control legislation would be presented on Tuesday. Albanese noted the necessity of having parliamentary support to proceed with the measures, stating, “We will not be proceeding with the racial vilification provisions, because it’s clear that that will not have support.”
While Albanese expressed disappointment over the Greens’ limited support, he urged the Coalition to clarify its position on the legislation. “The Coalition need to come up with what their position is, because at the moment, they’re defined by what they’re against, but it’s not clear what they’re for,” he remarked.
Senator Katy Gallagher, Manager of Senate Business, called on Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to unify her party to support the legislation. Gallagher stressed the need for cooperation to ensure that the Parliament effectively addresses the issue of gun safety, stating, “We need to get something from the Opposition.”
The Coalition has criticized the government’s handling of the bill. Senator Jonno Duniam, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate, asserted that Labor is to blame for failing to garner support. He stated, “The fact is the government have muffed this; they have completely stuffed this up.” Duniam emphasized the importance of addressing the community’s concerns regarding gun safety, stating that Australians deserve a response to the tragic events surrounding the Bondi attack.
As the Federal Government navigates this complex legislative environment, the path forward remains uncertain. The outcome will depend on the ability of the government to rally support from either the Coalition or the Greens, ensuring that new measures can be enacted for the safety of all Australians.
