Tomorrow marks the 29th anniversary of the day then Prime Minister John Howard announced sweeping changes to Australia’s gun control laws in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre.

Some, including his pledge to introduce a National Firearms Register, have still not been implemented.

12 days after 35 innocent Australians were massacred in Tasmania, Howard announced a National Firearms Agreement.

He was generally lauded for his bravery in standing up to the powerful gun lobby; it was considered one of the finest moments of his time in office and remains a key part of his legacy.

However, almost three decades on, the Howard reforms are not living up to their promise.

·                Australia still does not have a National Firearms Register.

·                Australia still allows minors to hold some licences and operate firearms.

·                Australia’s gun control laws vary from state to state, making them difficult to enforce.

·                There are now 800,000 more guns in Australia than after the 1996 gun buyback, which saw 650,000 guns taken out of circulation.

“Australians need gun laws that live up to the Howard Government’s bravery and, right now, Australia does not have them,” said Alice Grundy, Research Manager at The Australia Institute.

“The National Firearms Agreement, announced 12 days after the Port Arthur massacre, was ambitious, politically brave and necessary for public safety.

“However, some of the provisions set out way back in May 1996, and reaffirmed by all Australian governments eight years ago, remain unimplemented.

“While Australia’s gun control laws are acclaimed as world-leading, they are neither perfect nor complete. Our firearm homicide rate is higher than the UK, Spain and Germany.”

The Australia Institute has produced a report on the issue which is reproduced below.









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