Australia was long seen as a global exemplar in weapons legislation – Bondi has revealed a far more complex truth.

On a weekend day in 1996, a solitary shooter using powerful firearms took the lives of 35 people in the Tasmanian tourist destination of Port Arthur.

That national tragedy nearly three decades ago, which sparked some of the strictest firearm regulations in the world, can appear as a bygone age for many Australians.

However, the shooting at Bondi this past Sunday, which left 15 dead, has rekindled memories of the 1996 shootings.

Gun Ownership at a Record High

A recent report revealed that there are now in excess of four million guns in private hands across the country – a figure that is almost double the amount from about 20 years ago.

This means approximately a weapon for each small group of people.

While Queensland has the highest number of legal firearms, followed by New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, it is Tasmania and the NT that have the highest rate of firearm ownership.

The data also dispels the common view that guns are mainly owned by rural residents.

Weapons are widespread in urban centres, with a large share located in urban hubs.

Critically, there are now more guns in fewer hands, with the registered individual possessing more than four firearms.

Understanding Australia's Existing Weapons Policies?

Gun control laws in Australia are not uniform across the country, with a mixed implementation of rules across states and territories.

Generally, to apply for a gun licence, an individual must be an adult, deemed a "responsible individual", pass a safety program, and provide a "valid purpose" for ownership.

The accepted reasons include sport shooting or animal management, target or sport shooting, certain job-related needs, and as a hobby.

However, significant loopholes remain. For instance, individuals under 18 in some states can have access to a firearm from as young as pre-teen age.

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 banned, and background checks alongside delays for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the rejection of "home security" as a valid reason for gun ownership.

New Push for Gun Law Reform

In the wake the Bondi shooting, political leaders were forceful about the need to bolster gun laws.

A country-wide firearm surrender program was proposed, marking the most significant such effort since 1996.

Other planned reforms now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can have registered.
• Addressing "indefinite" licensing arrangements.
• Making formal citizenship a condition for firearm ownership.
• Improving 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 Complicated Debate

These reform efforts have drawn criticism from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates contend that restricting ownership would not have averted an attack driven by violent beliefs.

They suggest that focus would be better spent addressing root causes rather than tightening regulations for the overwhelming number of law-abiding citizens.

Furthermore, a key proposed reform from 1996 – a national firearms register – remains unfinished, though it has now been listed as a priority.

Tragedy as a Wake-Up Call

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

They argue that reform is needed to "remain effective" and prevent future tragedies.

While mass shootings remain relatively rare in Australia compared to some nations, the threat persists, and the challenge of firearms circulating illegally – through black markets – continues to pose a danger.

As one advocate stated, "It's sad that it takes such a tragedy to focus attention and pay heed."