Australia Gun Laws Under Scrutiny After Bondi Attack

Post by : Saif

Australia is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the world. These laws were introduced after the deadliest mass shooting in 1996 at Port Arthur. The rules included mandatory licensing, background checks, and registration of every firearm. For many years these measures were credited with keeping gun deaths very low.

However experts say that changes to state level laws, outdated procedures, and weak background checks may have contributed to the recent deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney which killed 15 people.

Authorities report that the older shooter Sajid Akram 50 legally obtained his gun license in 2023 and owned six firearms. He and his son allegedly used these weapons in the attack. Since 2008 New South Wales removed a 28 day cooling off period that was required when a licensed gun owner wanted to acquire additional firearms. Experts say this reduced scrutiny makes it easier for people to get multiple weapons.

Rebecca Peters a gun control advocate said If he had to wait 28 days for each gun he would not have been able to acquire them so quickly. She also suggested reinstating the cooling off period and setting limits on how many guns a person can own. These measures could reduce the number of firearms in circulation and improve public safety.

Australia currently has nearly one million licensed gun owners holding over four million guns. Despite public support for stricter laws around two thirds of Australians want stronger regulations loopholes persist. Many licenses are granted to non citizens as was the case with Akram raising further concerns.

Gun licensing often allows people to join shooting or hunting clubs to qualify for a license. But some clubs require minimal participation and about half do not have a physical address according to an analysis of New South Wales gun clubs. Experts say this system can be used by people who want guns but have no real interest in safe recreational use.

Background checks are also limited. Applicants declare whether they have criminal convictions or mental health issues but authorities do not automatically review social media activity or other behavioral signs that might show risk. Simon Chapman a public health academic noted that some people exploit these gaps to legally obtain firearms even though they pose a danger.

Even intelligence links to extremist groups do not automatically prevent someone from receiving a license. The surviving suspect in the Bondi attack had been linked to a group suspected of connections to Islamic State but this did not automatically stop him from getting a gun license.

Experts and advocates agree that the system needs urgent reform. They stress that the real problem is not the existence of gun clubs or licenses but the gaps in supervision, background checks, and enforcement. Tom Kenyon CEO of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia said that better information sharing and oversight could have prevented the tragedy.

The Bondi attack has renewed national debate on Australia gun laws. Many believe that stronger oversight, limits on gun ownership, reinstating cooling off periods, and stricter checks for non citizens are necessary steps to protect the community and prevent future tragedies.

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