The nation of Australia had long been viewed as a global exemplar in weapons legislation – the Bondi attack has revealed a more complicated situation.

On a spring day in 1996, a single attacker using semi-automatic rifles murdered 35 people in the Australian tourist town of Port Arthur.

That massacre nearly a generation ago, which sparked some of the toughest weapons policies in the world, can seem like a bygone age for many residents.

However, the shooting at Bondi this past Sunday, which claimed 15 lives, has revived the ghosts of the 1996 shootings.

Gun Ownership at a Historic Peak

A recent report revealed that there are now more than four million guns in private hands across the country – a figure that is nearly twice the amount from about 20 years ago.

This means approximately one firearm per seven citizens.

While the state of Queensland has the most registered guns, followed by NSW and the state of Victoria, it is Tasmania and the NT that have the highest rate of firearm ownership.

The data also contradicts the widespread belief that guns are primarily held by people in regional areas.

Guns are common in urban centres, with a significant portion located in population centres.

Critically, there are now firearms concentrated among fewer owners, with the registered individual possessing several firearms.

What Are Australia's Current Gun Laws?

Weapons legislation 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 "responsible individual", pass a safety program, and provide a "legitimate need" for ownership.

The permitted justifications include hunting or culling, target or sport shooting, certain occupational requirements, and as a hobby.

However, significant gaps remain. For instance, individuals under 18 in some jurisdictions can have access to a firearm from as young as 10 or 12 years old.

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

Rapid-fire weapons were prohibited, and security screenings alongside mandatory cooling-off periods for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the removal of "personal protection" as a justifiable cause for gun ownership.

Renewed Demands for Regulatory Tightening

In the hours following the Bondi shooting, political leaders were clear about the need to bolster gun laws.

A national gun buyback scheme was announced, marking the largest such effort since 1996.

Other proposals now under consideration include:

• Limiting the number of guns an individual can possess.
• Addressing "indefinite" licensing arrangements.
• Making formal citizenship a requirement for firearm ownership.
• Enhancing intelligence sharing during background check processes.

There are also calls for regular reviews of existing licence holders, acknowledging that "situations evolve" over time.

A Nuanced Discussion

These swift actions have drawn criticism from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates argue that restricting ownership would not have averted an attack driven by radicalisation.

They suggest that focus would be better spent combating radicalisation rather than restricting lawful owners for the great bulk of law-abiding citizens.

Furthermore, a critical reform from 1996 – a national firearms register – remains not yet operational, though it has now been listed as a key project.

A Painful Reminder

For long-time advocates, the Bondi attack is a tragic indication that policies must keep pace with new threats.

They argue that modernisation is needed to "keep up-to-date" and safeguard communities.

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

As one advocate stated, "It's sad that it takes such a devastating event to get people to wake up and take notice."