The scars of the Port Arthur massacre remain three decades on.
Tributes from the state’s political leaders and powerful personal accounts remind us of the very human cost behind the country’s worst mass shooting.
Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 28 April 2026
Statement from the Premier
Today marks 30 years since the tragedy at Port Arthur.
A senseless, evil act of violence that profoundly traumatised our community, our nation and reverberated across the world.
Our thoughts and those of all Tasmanians are with every person impacted, survivors, families and first responders, and all who are hurting to this day.
We will never forget those special lives lost and every person whose life changed forever.
We will always remember them.
Media Release – Josh Willie, Labor Leader, 28 April 2026
Statement Regarding Port Arthur
Thirty years ago the unthinkable happened at Port Arthur, forever changing the history of the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania and Australia.
As we reflect on what happened on 28 April 1996, I would like to remember the people who didn’t return home that day, as well as to those who were injured in or witnessed the horrific events that took place.
Today is a tremendously difficult day for survivors, the families and loved ones of victims and the first responders who showed courage serving their community.
While it is impossible for those who witnessed or were directly affected by the horrific events to ever overcome the hurt and anguish of this day 30 years ago, the strength and resilience they have shown since is deserving of recognition and praise.
By pulling together in the face of adversity, these people have ensured the survival of a strong local community through testing times, helped to effect groundbreaking reform, and demonstrated that the best of humanity always rises above the worst.
Like the events of 28 April 1996, their strength and resilience will never be forgotten.
Statement by Carol Loughton, 28 April 2026
The 30th anniversary of the shootings at Port Arthur is the first occasion for my return to the site since 1997, when the DPP took us to the site in a bus.
I suffer daily from my injuries. I was shot in the back. I have had more than 35 surgeries. I am not on a road to recovery.
30 years ago, I was a healthy, fit working mother (employed by the Commonwealth). This incident has destroyed much of my life. I have had my left fibula and half my left hip removed to provide bone grafts. I have had multiple skin grafts and vein grafts.
My most profound suffering was caused by the gunshot death of my beloved daughter Sarah, born 28th March 1981; killed 28th April 1996. She was just 15 years old, with a bright exciting future ahead of her.
Sarah was shot with a bullet through her hand and her head. I lay on top of her, trying to protect her.
The one positive thing that came out of the events of 28 and 29 April 1996 was the tightening of gun laws around Australia, and the banning of semi-automatic weapons. I know that has saved many lives.
But today, the shootings at Bondi beach in Sydney just 5 months ago show there are still rapid fire guns in the hands of the community. These guns must be put out of reach. And there must be limits on the number of guns a person can have.
I strongly support the gun law reforms proposed by the Prime Minister in December last year.
No one should have to endure what I endure each day, both physically, and mentally, as I continue to mourn the loss of my beautiful daughter. When we lose our parents we lose our past. When we lose our children, we lose our future.
