Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a push for stricter national gun laws in the wake of the Bondi Junction tragedy, where an alleged attacker held a valid firearms licence for six weapons.
Proposed Reforms Target Licence Limits and Ownership
The proposed reforms, discussed after an emergency National Cabinet meeting, focus on several key areas to tighten firearm control. These include limiting the number of firearms an individual can own, restricting specific weapon types and modifications, and introducing a requirement for Australian citizenship to hold a gun licence. The move comes after revelations that one of the alleged Bondi assailants was deemed "fit and proper" to hold a licence for multiple weapons.
Alliance Welcomes Reforms, Highlights Systemic Issues
Stephen Bendle from the Australian Gun Safety Alliance appeared on Sunrise to endorse the government's proposed changes. "We're very pleased that all of our government leaders have come together in this time of tragedy to look at these reforms," Bendle said.
He highlighted concerning gaps in the current system, noting that some firearm owners in metropolitan Sydney possess hundreds of registered weapons. The incident has raised serious questions about how individuals in suburban settings can access high-powered weaponry.
Updating a Landmark Agreement for a New Era
National leaders are set to update the National Firearms Agreement, the landmark framework established after the Port Arthur massacre nearly 30 years ago. While acknowledging the success of the 1996 reforms, Bendle argued the laws have not kept pace with technology and manufacturing changes.
"Thirty years ago, the legislators didn't imagine that there would be hundreds of thousands of licensed firearm owners in our suburbs that actually have no limit on the number of firearms they can own," he stated.
Bendle suggested a new voluntary buyback scheme, similar to the 1996 program that destroyed over 600,000 weapons, could gain support. "I think there were many firearm owners in Australia right now who are thinking ... the community expects that there should be less firearms in the community," he said.
He also expressed that many Australians would be surprised the proposed restrictions aren't already law. Leaders are aiming to update the legislation imminently following the urgent discussions.
