Australian Firearm Ownership: Myth vs. Reality

There is a persistent myth in the United States and among some right-wing commentators that Australians lost their rights to own firearms following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. However, this oversimplification does not accurately reflect the nuanced reality of firearm ownership in Australia today.

Firearm Ownership: A Tool, Not a Right

Australians have never had an enshrined 'right' to firearm ownership in the same way some Americans might argue for. In fact, the idea of widespread, everyday firearm ownership in Australia has always been an outlier. Firearm ownership has mostly been for specific, legitimate reasons, such as pest management, security work, and participation in shooting sports.

Current Regulations and Requirements

Any Australian citizen who is not a convicted criminal and does not have a documented mental health issue or an existing court order (such as an AVO/DVO) can legally apply for a firearm license. However, having a legally issued firearm license does not automatically mean that an individual can own any firearm. The type of firearm, the category, and the state in which the applicant resides all play a crucial role in determining eligibility. For instance, a person may need to demonstrate a genuine and specific reason for owning the firearm, such as being a primary producer who requires a firearm for pest management, a member of a sporting club, or working in security.

Recent Changes: The No Home Defence Reason

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the removal of the 'home defence' reason for owning firearms. While this change is still being debated, I believe this should be reconsidered with careful restrictions and requirements. Such a change, however, would need to follow extensive public consultation and legislative scrutiny to ensure it balances public safety with individual rights.

Rigorous Background Checks and Controls

Before the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, background checks for firearm licensing were not as stringent as they are today. Easy access to firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and large quantities of ammunition, was relatively common. However, the tragedy of 35 deaths at Port Arthur, combined with the Dunblane school shooting in the UK, galvanized public opinion. Following these events, the Australian government implemented stronger measures to regulate firearm ownership, which were largely accepted by the public.

Public Support for Regulation

The 1996 firearms regulation package, including the introduction of stricter licensing and the buyback of semi-automatic firearms, was met with public support. The widespread rate of firearm ownership in Australia is much lower than in the United States, and this has remained stable over the years. The changes after the 1996 tragedy showed that when the public is faced with the stark reality of mass shootings, they are willing to support measures to reduce the risk.

No Surge in Crime

Contrary to the claims of some right-wing commentators in the United States, there has not been a surge in violent crimes, such as stabbings, rapes, and murders, in Australia since the implementation of stricter firearm regulations. Any increase in crime in Australia since 1996 can be attributed to the natural statistical increase due to population growth. With a population increase from 18 million in 1996 to approximately 27 million today, the overall crime rate and crime statistics naturally rise over time.

Conclusion

Australian firearm ownership is not a lost right, nor has it ever been a widespread practice. The current regulations are designed to ensure that firearms are used responsibly and for legitimate purposes. The 1996 changes following the Port Arthur and Dunblane massacres were widely accepted by the public and have contributed to a stable and systematically controlled environment for firearm ownership. While there is always room for discussion and improvement, the core principle of responsible ownership has remained intact.

Keywords: firearm ownership, gun control, firearms regulation