The recent shooting of two police officers in rural Victoria has intensified discussions about gun control in Australia. Advocates are warning of a growing public “complacency” regarding firearm regulations amidst a “very aggressive” gun lobby. According to Tim Quinn, president of Gun Control Australia, while Australians take pride in their gun laws, there is a belief that the current situation is stable, which he argues is misleading.
Quinn pointed out that even though approximately 97 percent of Australians do not own or use firearms, the landscape of gun ownership has changed significantly. He noted that an erosion of gun control laws established after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has resulted in a record number of legal firearms in circulation. The Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives and injured 18 others, remains the deadliest mass shooting in Australia’s history. In response to that tragedy, former Prime Minister John Howard implemented a national agreement on gun control, including a substantial buyback of firearms.
Quinn emphasized the need for governments and law enforcement to prioritize the safety of the majority of Australians who support stringent gun laws. “We need to make sure that governments and police are protecting that 97 percent of Australians and not giving in to the gun lobby,” he stated.
Concerns about the influence of the gun lobby are echoed by Stephen Bendle, convenor of the Australian Gun Safety Alliance. He highlighted that Australia now has over four million registered firearms, and the lobby advocating for gun rights is both well-organized and well-funded, pushing for increased accessibility to firearms.
Research conducted by Alice Grundy, co-author of multiple reports from the Australian Institute, revealed intriguing patterns regarding gun ownership. “Our research found that most firearms are concentrated in metropolitan areas, which might surprise many,” she noted. In fact, she mentioned an individual in metropolitan Sydney who possesses over 380 licensed firearms. Quinn raised concerns about such large collections, warning that they pose a risk of theft and unauthorized access to firearms.
Despite the rising number of gun licenses and legally owned firearms, experts like Samara McPhedran from Griffith University observe a decline in firearm-related violence. According to McPhedran, rates of firearm-related homicides began decreasing in the early 1980s and have remained low and stable since the Port Arthur reforms. “This suggests there is little relationship between levels of legal gun ownership in Australia and levels of firearm violence and misuse,” she explained.
For adults seeking a gun license in Australia, various legitimate reasons must be provided, such as participation in shooting clubs, hunting for vermin, or agricultural needs. However, some authorities express concerns about potential exploitation of these provisions. Currently, New South Wales is the only state requiring verification that license holders use their firearms for the stated reasons.
While Western Australia limits individuals to purchasing a maximum of 10 firearms, Grundy pointed out that exemptions do exist. She advocates for greater consistency across states to improve the management of firearms and to combat theft.
A national gun register was initially part of the reforms following the Port Arthur massacre, yet it remains unimplemented. Grundy highlighted the ongoing delays, stating, “It was the Attorney-General’s Department responsible for creating it, which was supposed to launch by 2028, but it is now with Home Affairs. We are concerned that this timeline could be extended further.”
As discussions around gun control continue in Australia, advocates stress the importance of maintaining robust regulations to protect public safety while addressing the influence of the gun lobby.
