A recent community survey commissioned by ACT independent senator David Pocock has found an overwhelming majority of Canberra residents are in favour of a significant federal crackdown on gun ownership and importation.
Strong Support for Enhanced Firearm Checks
The survey, which gathered responses from approximately 950 Canberrans, was conducted ahead of the federal government's introduction of new legislation. It revealed that 81 per cent of respondents strongly supported the establishment of a federal background checking scheme and improved information sharing for firearm licence assessments.
This proposed measure would permit state and territory authorities to access classified intelligence from federal bodies like the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. The information would be used to evaluate an individual's potential risk to public safety when applying for a gun licence. An additional layer of security vetting through the AusCheck system, commonly used for aviation and other sensitive roles, would also be implemented.
Near-Unanimous Backing for Tighter Import Controls
Support for stricter regulations extended to the importation of firearms and accessories. The survey indicated that 93 per cent of participants either strongly supported or supported increased import controls. The items targeted by these proposed controls include most assisted-repeating and straight-pull firearms, belt feeders, magazines holding more than 30 rounds, firearm suppressors, and speed loaders.
Senator Pocock expressed that the depth of consideration in the responses was notable. "I haven't had such a detailed, individualised and deeply considered response to legislation from Canberrans since being elected," he stated.
Mixed Views on Broader Government Response
While backing the specific gun law changes, the survey revealed community ambivalence towards the federal government's overall response to the recent Bondi terror attack. Just under half (47 per cent) of those surveyed felt the government was doing enough in the wake of the attack, while 28 per cent desired more action. A further 25 per cent were unsure.
The survey also touched on other aspects of the now-split legislative package. It showed that 83 per cent of respondents wanted racial vilification laws, which were scrapped from the initial bill, to be extended to protect other minority groups beyond ethnicity. A majority also expressed a desire for the right to protest to be safeguarded.
Senator Pocock confirmed these concerns, noting, "It is clear from both the survey results and a huge volume of email correspondence that Canberrans are deeply worried about the bill impacting on legitimate freedom of expression." He also revealed that 44 per cent of respondents believed the legislation required longer review, and that he had not seen the updated draft as of 5pm on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The proposed gun law changes, which remain unchanged from their initial announcement, will now be debated as a separate bill. However, the federal Coalition has signalled it is unlikely to support the reforms, setting the stage for parliamentary debate.
