The Australian Government’s investment of $161.3 million over four years for the national
firearms register is welcome.
The Australian Government’s investment of $161.3 million over four years for the national
firearms register is welcome.
Extensive reform of commonwealth, state and territory firearms management systems is
long overdue.
The Australian Government and some other jurisdictions have shown leadership in
embracing the register, but some are dragging their feet and putting lives at risk.
The commitment by states and territories to upgrade and integrate their systems was a key
plank of the National Firearms Agreement – agreed after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
As the Commonwealth Attorney-General noted, the gun murders of police and a civilian at
Wieambilla in Queensland were a catalyst for progressing this overdue reform.
All Australian governments need to review firearms categories with the sole objective of
upholding public safety.
It is unacceptable that dangerous firearms, such as the Australian-made Wedgetail MPR
308, are now widely available due to loopholes in laws that lag weapons technology.
Let’s not cede public safety to gun lobbyists while waiting for the next gun outrage before
taking action.
Gun Control Australia represents the will of Australians who support uniform, effective and
sensible firearms legislation and policy.
Our policy platform outlines the actions needed to keep Australians safe.
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