Australia’s gun laws were already among the world’s toughest. The Bondi beach shooting could spark even tighter controls

Australia tightened its gun laws nearly 30 years ago after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where 35 people were killed. Within weeks of that attack, the government introduced nationwide restrictions on gun ownership, including limits on who could own firearms and what types were allowed.

Those reforms have often been cited internationally as proof that strong gun laws can reduce violence. New Zealand followed a similar path after the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, banning semi-automatic weapons and assault-style firearms within weeks and launching a buyback scheme.

Gun deaths remain low

Gun-related killings in Australia have remained rare since the 1996 reforms. Between July 2023 and June 2024, there were 31 gun-related murders nationwide. This equals a rate of 0.09 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology.

However, the number of legally owned firearms has increased steadily over the past two decades. Around four million guns are now held legally in Australia, more than before the 1996 crackdown, according to the Australia Institute think tank.

The Bondi shooting has led leaders to question whether current laws still reflect today’s risks.

Government plans tighter rules

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that state and territory leaders had agreed to pursue tougher gun controls following a meeting of the National Cabinet.

Under the proposed changes, only Australian citizens would be allowed to hold gun licences. Limits would also be placed on the number and type of firearms an individual can own. Licences would expire and require more frequent reviews to assess whether holders remain suitable.

The government also plans to strengthen controls on firearm imports and new technologies. A statement cited by CNN said this would include tighter rules on “3D printing, novel technology and firearms equipment that can hold large amounts of ammunition”.

Although gun laws are set by individual states and territories, all jurisdictions follow the National Firearms Agreement introduced in 1996. This requires gun owners to be licensed and their firearms registered.

CNN reports that gaps still exist, particularly around national record-keeping. A National Firearms Register is being developed, but it is not yet complete. A four-year programme to merge records across states began last year.

Albanese said the work would be completed as quickly as possible, while acknowledging technical challenges. “In some cases, some state jurisdictions still had paper identification,” he said. “We are responding in a really practical way. If there’s more that can be done, we will do it.”

In New South Wales, gun licences are issued for specific purposes, such as farming or sport. Licence holders are only allowed to use firearms for the approved reason.

Police said the 50-year-old attacker in the Bondi shooting was a member of a gun club and held a valid recreational licence. He legally owned six registered firearms.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the state’s gun laws would be reviewed following the attack. “We want to make sure that prospective reform and change in New South Wales has a lasting impact,” he told reporters.

Minns also questioned the need for some firearms. “If you’re not a farmer, if you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these weapons that put the public in danger and make life difficult for police?” he said.

The Bondi attack has shifted the national conversation, with leaders signalling that further reforms are likely as Australia reassesses its approach to gun control.