Australia had long been viewed as a global exemplar in weapons legislation – the Bondi tragedy has revealed a far more complex reality.

On a Sunday afternoon in April 1996, a single attacker armed with semi-automatic rifles killed 35 people in the historic site of Port Arthur.

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

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

Gun Ownership at a Record High

A analysis revealed that there are now in excess of four million guns in private hands across the country – a figure that is roughly two times the amount from two decades prior.

This equates to approximately a weapon for each small group of people.

While Queensland has the largest arsenal, followed by New South Wales (NSW) and the state of Victoria, it is the island state and the Northern Territory that have the highest rate of firearm ownership.

The data also challenges the common view that guns are primarily held by rural residents.

Firearms are prevalent in urban centres, with a significant portion located in population centres.

Critically, there are now more guns in fewer hands, with the average licence holder possessing several firearms.

What Are Australia's Present Firearm Regulations?

Gun control laws in Australia are inconsistent across the country, with a mixed implementation of rules in various regions.

Broadly speaking, to apply for a gun licence, an individual must be of legal age, deemed a "fit and proper person", pass a competency test, and provide a "legitimate need" for ownership.

The permitted justifications include recreational hunting or pest control, target or sport shooting, certain professional duties, and collecting.

However, significant gaps remain. For instance, minors in some areas can have use 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 large-scale surrender scheme of over 650,000 firearms.

Certain types of firearms were outlawed, and vetting procedures alongside delays for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the elimination of "self-defence" as a valid reason for gun ownership.

New Push for Gun Law Reform

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

A national gun buyback scheme was proposed, marking the first such effort since 1996.

Other proposals now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can possess.
• Addressing "perpetual" licensing arrangements.
• Making Australian citizenship a condition for firearm ownership.
• Enhancing intelligence sharing during licence application processes.

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

A Complicated Debate

These swift actions have sparked debate from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates contend that limiting gun numbers would not have stopped an attack driven by radicalisation.

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 critical reform from 1996 – a centralised weapon tracking system – remains incomplete, though it has now been listed as a urgent task.

Tragedy as a Wake-Up Call

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

They argue that strengthening is needed to "address deficiencies" and safeguard communities.

While mass shootings remain uncommon in Australia compared to some nations, the risk persists, and the challenge of guns in the wrong hands – through black markets – continues to pose a danger.

As one advocate stated, "It's sad that it requires such a devastating event to prompt action and pay heed."