Australia’s gun law legacy at risk as national consistency fractures ahead of Port Arthur anniversary
As Australians mark the anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre on 28 April – when 35 people were killed and 21 more wounded – Gun Control Australia is warning that the country’s once world-leading firearm laws are at risk of being undermined by growing inconsistency between states and territories.
Gun Control Australia says many Australians would be surprised to learn that firearms capable of mass harm remain legally available in parts of the country, despite widespread belief that such weapons are tightly restricted nationwide.
“Most Australians believe our gun laws are among the strongest in the world – and they were,” said Gun Control Australia Vice President Roland Browne.
“But the reality today is more uneven than people realise. Firearms capable of mass harm are still legally available in some parts of Australia, and our laws are no longer nationally consistent.”
In the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, Australia introduced sweeping reforms built on national cooperation between all jurisdictions. Those reforms have been credited with saving lives and preventing further mass shootings.
However, Gun Control Australia warns that the national approach is now beginning to fracture.
Western Australia has strong gun laws, New South Wales strengthened its laws following the Bondi tragedy, and the ACT is on track to do the same. But other jurisdictions are lagging behind.
South Australia and Victoria have yet to outline a clear reform pathway, Tasmania is pursuing only partial changes, and Queensland and the Northern Territory have stepped back from key reforms.
“In Australia, our gun laws are only as strong as the weakest link,” Mr Browne said.
“We don’t have sealed borders between states. When laws differ, gaps emerge – and those gaps create risk for every community.”
Gun Control Australia is calling for renewed national leadership to close key gaps in the system, including:
- Consistent restrictions on high-powered, rapid-fire firearms capable of mass shootings.
- Reasonable limits on the number of firearms an individual can own.
- A return to a strong, nationally coordinated approach to gun safety.
- A renewed effort to introduce the national registration system promised in 1996.
The organisation says these are practical, preventive measures – not radical changes.
“Historically, Australia has acted on gun laws after tragedy,” Mr Browne said.
“The lesson of Port Arthur is that we shouldn’t wait. We should act before the next tragedy, not after it.”
The anniversary of Port Arthur is a time to remember those lost and express our support for those who survived this horrific event, but also to reflect on the leadership that followed.
“Australia once led the world on gun safety,” Mr Browne said.
“That legacy now needs defending.”Gun Control Australia also noted that progress on sensible reform is often challenged by well-resourced advocacy groups representing firearm industry interests, whose policy positions do not reflect the views of the broader Australian community.
“These groups are campaigning actively to undermine national reform efforts,” Mr Browne said.
“At a time when we should be focused on community safety and national consistency, it is important that policymaking remains guided by the public interest.”
About Gun Control Australia
Gun Control Australia believes in safe communities living without fear of gun violence. As the only organisation in Australia focussed solely on advocating for firearms policy that prioritises public safety, we represent the will of the majority of Australians who support uniform, effective and sensible firearms laws.