Recently, SBS Examines explored Australia’s firearms laws and the ongoing debate surrounding the Federal Government’s proposed firearm reforms following the Bondi terrorist attack.
The report examined the proposed National Firearms Buyback Scheme, firearm ownership caps, restrictions on certain firearm categories, tighter licensing requirements and enhanced background checks, while highlighting the differing approaches being taken by state and territory governments.
SBS noted that while the Commonwealth is responsible for national information systems and the regulation of firearm imports and exports, firearms legislation remains the responsibility of individual states and territories. As a result, implementation of the proposed reforms has varied across Australia, with only some jurisdictions committing to the full suite of measures announced by the Federal Government.
The program featured comments from both the Australian Gun Safety Alliance and the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia.
Stephen Bendle, Senior Advocacy Advisor at the Alannah & Madeline Foundation and a convenor of the Australian Gun Safety Alliance, expressed disappointment that several states had not adopted additional firearm restrictions.
“In Queensland they have the most firearms registered in any state in Australia, and they’ve done nothing to restrict firearms,” Mr Bendle said.
SSAA CEO Tom Kenyon told SBS the Association supports reforms that genuinely improve public safety but does not support measures that fail to address the factors that contributed to the Bondi terrorist attack.
“Everything that the Federal Government is proposing, with the exception of better background checks, fails to address the problem.”
Mr Kenyon said SSAA welcomed legislation introduced earlier this year that strengthens background checking and intelligence sharing between agencies.
“The Federal Government passed legislation in January that facilitates better background checks and better intelligence sharing.
“We fully support it, because no one wants terrorists to be in possession of firearms, whether legal or illegal.”
The SBS report reflects the ongoing national discussion surrounding firearm policy following the Bondi attack and the differing views on how governments should respond. While debate continues over ownership caps, firearm classifications and buyback arrangements, SSAA continues to advocate for evidence-based reforms that improve community safety while recognising the rights and responsibilities of Australia’s licensed firearm owners.
The full SBS Examines report can be viewed here: SBS: Will new gun laws make Australian’s safer