The nation of Australia was widely regarded as a world leader in gun control – the Bondi attack has laid bare a far more complex truth.

On a Sunday afternoon in the year 1996, a solitary shooter using powerful firearms murdered 35 people in the Australian tourist town of Port Arthur.

That national tragedy nearly thirty years ago, which led to some of the strictest gun laws in the world, can seem like a distant memory for many Australians.

However, the tragedy in Bondi this past Sunday, which resulted in 15 fatalities, has rekindled memories of the 1996 shootings.

Gun Ownership at a Unprecedented Level

A recent report revealed that there are now more than four million weapons owned by civilians across the country – a figure that is roughly two times the amount from two decades prior.

This translates to approximately one gun for every seven Australians.

While Queensland has the most registered guns, followed by New South Wales (NSW) and the state of Victoria, it is Tasmania and the NT that have the most guns per person.

The data also challenges the widespread belief that guns are mostly possessed by people in regional areas.

Guns are widespread in cities and their outskirts, with a significant portion located in urban hubs.

Critically, there are now more guns in fewer hands, with the average licence holder possessing more than four firearms.

Understanding Australia's Current Gun Laws?

Gun control laws in Australia are inconsistent across the country, with a mixed implementation of rules across states and territories.

Broadly speaking, to apply for a gun licence, an individual must be over 18, deemed a "suitable candidate", pass a competency test, and provide a "legitimate need" for ownership.

The allowable purposes include sport shooting or animal management, target or sport shooting, certain professional duties, and collecting.

However, significant gaps remain. For instance, minors in some states can have access to a firearm from as young as early adolescence.

Following the Port Arthur massacre, a sweeping overhaul of national gun laws was enacted, leading to a massive buyback of over 650,000 firearms.

Certain types of firearms were banned, and security screenings alongside delays for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the elimination of "self-defence" as a justifiable cause for gun ownership.

Fresh Calls for Regulatory Tightening

In the immediate aftermath the Bondi shooting, political leaders were clear about the need to strengthen gun laws.

A country-wide firearm surrender program was unveiled, marking the first such effort since 1996.

Other planned reforms now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can possess.
• Addressing "open-ended" licensing arrangements.
• Making permanent residency a condition for firearm ownership.
• Strengthening intelligence sharing during licence application processes.

There are also calls for ongoing evaluations of existing licence holders, acknowledging that "individuals can be radicalised" over time.

A Nuanced Discussion

These swift actions have sparked debate from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates contend that limiting gun numbers would not have averted an attack driven by extremist ideology.

They suggest that focus would be better spent improving intelligence rather than tightening regulations for the overwhelming number of responsible owners.

Furthermore, a critical reform from 1996 – a national firearms register – remains unfinished, though it has now been listed as a urgent task.

A Painful Reminder

For campaigners, the Bondi attack is a tragic indication that gun laws must keep pace with changing times.

They argue that reform is needed to "address deficiencies" and protect public safety.

While mass shootings remain uncommon in Australia compared to some nations, the potential persists, and the ongoing issue of weapons being misused – through poor storage – continues to pose a problem.

As one advocate stated, "It's sad that it requires such a loss of life to prompt action and listen."