Australia was widely regarded as a world leader in weapons legislation – the Bondi attack has exposed a far more complex truth.

On a Sunday afternoon in the year 1996, a solitary shooter using semi-automatic rifles murdered 35 people in the historic site of Port Arthur.

That national tragedy nearly three decades ago, which sparked some of the most stringent gun laws in the world, can seem like a bygone age for many Australians.

However, the Bondi Beach attack this past Sunday, which resulted in 15 fatalities, has brought back painful recollections of the Tasmanian tragedy.

Weapons Holdings at a Record High

A analysis revealed that there are now in excess of four million weapons owned by civilians across the country – a figure that is nearly twice the amount from the late 1990s.

This equates to approximately one firearm per seven citizens.

While the state of Queensland has the largest arsenal, followed by New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, it is Tasmania and the NT that have the greatest density of weapons.

The data also contradicts the widespread belief that guns are primarily held by those in the countryside.

Firearms are widespread in urban centres, with a significant portion located in major cities.

Critically, there are now weapons owned by a smaller group, with the average licence holder possessing over four firearms.

Understanding Australia's Present Firearm Regulations?

Gun control laws in Australia are varied across the country, with a patchwork implementation of rules between different jurisdictions.

Typically, to secure a gun licence, an individual must be over 18, deemed a "suitable candidate", pass a competency test, and provide a "genuine reason" for ownership.

The allowable purposes include sport shooting or animal management, marksmanship, certain occupational requirements, and collecting.

However, significant shortcomings remain. For instance, minors in some states can have use of 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.

Rapid-fire weapons were outlawed, and vetting procedures alongside delays for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the removal of "self-defence" as a acceptable grounds for gun ownership.

New Push for Firearm Policy Changes

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

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

Other proposals now under consideration include:

• Capping the number of guns an individual can legally own.
• Ending "perpetual" licensing arrangements.
• Making formal citizenship a condition for firearm ownership.
• Improving intelligence sharing during background check processes.

There are also calls for ongoing evaluations of existing licence holders, acknowledging that "people's circumstances can change" over time.

An Ongoing Controversy

These proposed changes have sparked debate from some quarters.

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

They suggest that resources would be better spent addressing root causes rather than restricting lawful owners 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 Catalyst for Change

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

They argue that reform is needed to "remain effective" and safeguard communities.

While mass shootings remain uncommon in Australia compared to some nations, the risk persists, and the legacy of weapons being misused – through theft – continues to pose a danger.

As one advocate reflected, "It is unfortunate that it needs such a devastating event to prompt action and pay heed."