At least 15 people were killed and 42 were injured in a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, during a Hanukkah celebration. The attack, carried out by a father and son duo, has shocked the nation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” aimed at Jewish Australians. This incident is raising questions about Australia’s gun laws, which are already among the strictest in the world.
Following the bloodshed, Albanese and other leaders are revisiting these laws to potentially introduce new measures. Gun control in Australia became a priority after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, when 35 people lost their lives. This led to the National Firearms Agreement, which restricted certain types of firearms and prompted a buyback of over 650,000 guns.
Despite these measures, recent years have seen an increase in firearm ownership. A report by The Australia Institute showed that there are currently over 4 million guns in the country, a 25% increase since 1996. Some of the regulations from the National Firearms Agreement have been inconsistently applied or weakened.
Graham Park, president of Shooters Union Australia, noted that gun owners believe they are gaining ground in their fight against stricter controls. However, with this recent tragedy, there’s renewed urgency for stronger restrictions.
Albanese, during a press conference, announced a commitment to strengthen gun laws further. Key proposals include:
- Renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement.
- Creating a National Firearms Register to keep better track of gun ownership.
- Limiting the types of guns people can own and how many they can possess.
- Improving licensing processes using criminal intelligence.
- Strengthening customs restrictions on firearms and related items.
Polls indicate strong public support for tougher gun laws; 64% of Australians favor tightening restrictions. This call for action is particularly poignant given the recent violence.
Historically, gun control measures in Australia have been successful. After the 1996 tragedy, the country had no mass shootings for over two decades. Walter Mikac, whose family was lost in the Port Arthur massacre, highlighted the importance of community safety and vigilance against such violence.
As the nation reflects on this heartbreaking event, there’s a clear push for change. The future of Australia’s gun laws hangs in the balance as leaders discuss how to enhance safety while respecting rights. For detailed insights, the Australian Government’s commitment to public safety remains crucial for shaping the path forward.
For more on the proposed changes, you can read about the National Firearms Agreement here.
