Australia is considering significant reforms to its already strict gun laws following a tragic incident in Sydney, where a father and son opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 42 injuries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled the incident as a “terrorist attack” against Jewish Australians and underscored the need for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Historically, mass shootings are uncommon in Australia, thanks to the stringent gun regulations put in place after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which claimed 35 lives and prompted then-Prime Minister John Howard to enact the National Firearms Agreement. This legislation restricted access to semi-automatic rifles and pump-action shotguns and established a comprehensive gun buyback program, leading to the surrender of over 650,000 firearms. The agreement is credited with significantly reducing gun-related deaths, with no mass shootings reported for more than two decades following its implementation.
However, recent reports indicate a resurgence in gun ownership across the country. The Australia Institute noted that the number of registered firearms has surged by 25% since 1996, prompting concerns about the inconsistent enforcement of existing gun laws. The president of Shooters Union Australia remarked that firearms ownership has been on an upward trend, indicating a shift in the political climate surrounding gun rights.
In response to the recent shooting, Albanese and regional authorities convened to formulate a series of proposed measures aimed at enhancing gun control. These measures include renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement, expediting the establishment of a National Firearms Register to track gun ownership, incorporating criminal intelligence into the licensing process, and imposing limits on the types and quantities of firearms an individual can own. Additionally, the government aims to strengthen customs regulations regarding firearms imports, especially pertaining to 3D printing and high-capacity ammunition accessories.
Albanese revealed that one of the attackers had been flagged by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation as early as 2019 due to connections with an Islamic State-affiliated group, raising serious questions about gun licensing and monitoring processes.
Australia’s political framework, particularly the National Cabinet—which includes the prime minister and state leaders—enables swift responses to acute national issues. This body emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to coordinate responses across the nation and has since addressed various matters, including recent surges in hate crimes and public safety concerns.
Public sentiment indicates strong support for reinforcing gun control. A recent poll found that 64% of Australians believe gun laws should be tightened. This overwhelming majority reflects a societal commitment to prioritizing community safety, a stance echoed by advocates like Walter Mikac, whose family was tragically affected by the 1996 massacre.
As Australia grapples with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, the government is poised to seize this moment to implement necessary reforms to protect its citizens and ensure that such violence does not occur again. The collective consciousness surrounding gun control remains vigilant, as Australians reaffirm their commitment to ensuring public safety in the wake of adversity.