The nation of Australia was widely regarded as a world leader in gun control – the Bondi tragedy has revealed a far more complex situation.

On a Sunday afternoon in April 1996, a lone gunman armed with semi-automatic rifles took the lives of 35 people in the Australian tourist town of Port Arthur.

That national tragedy nearly a generation ago, which led to some of the strictest weapons policies in the world, can feel like a different era for many residents.

However, the tragedy in Bondi this past Sunday, which left 15 dead, has brought back painful recollections of the 1996 shootings.

Weapons Holdings at a Unprecedented Level

A study released earlier this year revealed that there are now more than four million privately-owned firearms across the country – a figure that is nearly twice the amount from about 20 years ago.

This translates to approximately one firearm per seven citizens.

While the state of Queensland has the highest number of legal firearms, followed by NSW and the state of Victoria, it is Tasmania and the NT that have the most guns per person.

The data also challenges the popular notion that guns are mostly possessed by rural residents.

Guns are prevalent in metropolitan and suburban areas, with a sizable percentage located in urban hubs.

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

Examining Australia's Present Firearm Regulations?

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

Broadly speaking, to secure a gun licence, an individual must be over 18, deemed a "suitable candidate", pass a competency test, and provide a "valid purpose" 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, young people in some areas can have supervision of 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 voluntary hand-in of over 650,000 firearms.

Rapid-fire weapons were outlawed, and security screenings alongside delays for sales were introduced.

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

New Push for Firearm Policy Changes

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

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

Other suggested measures now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can have registered.
• Reforming "indefinite" licensing arrangements.
• Making permanent residency a prerequisite for firearm ownership.
• Strengthening 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.

An Ongoing Controversy

These swift actions have met with opposition from some quarters.

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

They suggest that focus would be better spent addressing root causes rather than restricting lawful owners for the great bulk of responsible owners.

Furthermore, a key proposed reform from 1996 – a country-wide gun database – remains incomplete, though it has now been listed as a priority.

A Catalyst for Change

For campaigners, the Bondi attack is a stark warning that gun laws must be updated with new threats.

They argue that strengthening is needed to "address deficiencies" and protect public safety.

While mass shootings remain infrequent in Australia compared to some nations, the risk persists, and the ongoing issue of firearms circulating illegally – through poor storage – continues to pose a problem.

As one advocate noted, "It's sad that it needs such a devastating event to prompt action and take notice."