Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has implemented several gun control restrictions, including the National Firearms Agreement (NFA) in 1996, which banned several types of firearms and resulted in the government buying back and destroying almost 700,000 privately owned weapons. In 2024, the State of Victoria proposed a machete ban, restricting the use, sale, and possession of machetes as weapons. Despite these measures, there are still illegal weapons in Australia, with an estimated 260,000 unregistered guns in the country as of 2016. The effectiveness of gun control laws in reducing gun-related crimes is debated, with some studies showing a decrease in homicides, suicides, and mass shootings after the NFA, while others argue that similar reductions were seen in countries without such bans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Firearm ban | Implemented in 1996 pursuant to the National Firearms Agreement |
| Number of firearms turned in | Nearly 700,000 |
| Current number of registered firearms | Over 4 million |
| Number of unregistered firearms | 260,000 |
| Machetes | Banned in the State of Victoria |
| Firearm owners | The largest organisation is the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) with 175,000 members as of 2015 |
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What You'll Learn
The 1996 National Firearms Agreement (NFA)
The NFA has been subject to extensive debate and evaluation regarding its effectiveness in reducing firearm-related suicides, homicides, and mass shootings. Some studies have found evidence that the NFA contributed to a significant reduction in these incidents. For example, a 2006 study led by Simon Chapman of the University of Sydney found that after the NFA was passed, Australia experienced more than a decade without mass shootings and accelerated declines in firearm deaths, particularly suicides. Additionally, Leigh and Neill (2010) found that Australian states with the highest per capita rates of turning in banned guns also experienced greater declines in firearm suicides.
On the other hand, some researchers have questioned the attribution of these reductions solely to the NFA. For instance, Bartos et al. (2020) found no evidence of a reduction in total suicides (firearm and non-firearm) after the NFA. McPhedran and Baker (2012) also considered the decline in non-firearm suicides and suggested that factors other than the NFA, such as the national youth suicide strategy, might have played a role in reducing suicide rates around 1996. Similarly, McPhedran and Baker (2017) compared Australia to New Zealand, a country without similar firearm restrictions, and found no mass shootings in either country since 1997, casting doubt on the direct impact of the NFA.
Despite the mixed findings regarding the NFA's effectiveness, it has continued to receive support from both Labor and Coalition Federal Governments in Australia. The Australian Police Ministers Council (APMC) meets at least every six months to discuss issues related to the NFA, and any changes to the agreement require the unanimous agreement of all governments.
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Gun laws by state
Australia has some of the world's strictest gun laws, which were implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. However, there are variations in how gun ownership is treated across states and territories.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW has the highest number of registered firearms in the country. Handguns were effectively banned in the state after World War II, but laws were changed after the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games to allow the sport of pistol shooting to develop. The state allows the limited use of moderators with a permit, even though they are supposed to be a prohibited weapon. In March 2017, there were 915,000 registered firearms in NSW.
Victoria
Victoria has firearm prohibition orders (FPOs) in place, which give police additional powers to search and question individuals for firearms or ammunition without a warrant.
Queensland
Queensland is the only jurisdiction without firearm prohibition laws. A licence or permit is required to own a firearm, and the process includes stringent background checks, safety courses, and providing a genuine reason for owning a gun. There are over 1 million registered firearms in the state.
Western Australia
Western Australia has recently passed its toughest gun laws to date. There are now eight categories for obtaining a licence, and the process requires stronger evidence of why a gun is needed. The licence renewal process includes a mental health and physical check, and there is a limit of 10 guns for most people.
South Australia
In March 2017, there were 298,851 registered firearms in South Australia.
Tasmania
In March 2017, there were 126,910 registered firearms in Tasmania.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In March 2017, there were 18,967 registered firearms in the ACT.
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Gun control and crime rates
Australia's 1996 National Firearms Agreement NFA banned several types of firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, and resulted in the government buying back hundreds of thousands of the newly banned weapons from their owners. The NFA also created a licensing and permitting system for the purchase and possession of all firearms, denied licenses to any individual who had committed a violent crime in the past five years, and instituted a 28-day waiting period before the receipt of a new firearm.
There is evidence that the NFA has been effective in reducing homicides, suicides, and mass shootings. For example, the firearm homicide rate in Australia fell by 20% from 1996 to 2007, and the firearm-related homicide rate decreased by 57% between 1989-90 and 2013-14. The NFA has also been credited with reducing firearm suicides, particularly in states with high rates of banned gun surrender. Additionally, there were 13 mass shooting incidents in Australia between 1979 and 1996, but none between 1997 and May 2016.
However, some argue that the NFA has not been effective in reducing crime rates. The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) claims that there is no evidence that gun control restrictions in 1987, 1996, and 2002 had any impact on established trends. Additionally, Bartos et al. (2020) found no evidence of a reduction in total suicides (firearm and non-firearm) after the NFA. There has also been a debate about the causal interpretation of the NFA's effects, with some researchers critiquing the methods used to detect such effects.
Despite the NFA, there are still illegal firearms in Australia. A 2014 report estimated that there were 260,000 guns on the Australian black market, and there are concerns about the use of 3D printing to create firearms. As of the latest data, there are over four million registered firearms in Australia, a 25% increase since 1996. However, this increase in firearm ownership has not led to an increase in murders or violent crimes. In fact, the homicide rate in Australia has declined over the last 25 years, with the current rate being the lowest on record.
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Gun ownership and registration
The 1996 National Firearms Agreement (NFA) banned several types of firearms and resulted in the government buying back hundreds of thousands of the banned weapons from their owners. The NFA included heavy restrictions on all semi-automatic rifles and all semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns, and a system of licensing and ownership controls. The agreement also requires anyone who owns a gun to obtain a license and anyone acquiring a gun to get a permit. License applicants must be at least 18 years old and must complete gun training and safety courses. Applicants must also be deemed "fit and proper" and meet other criteria, such as establishing a “genuine reason" for wanting a gun license.
Despite extensive gun law reforms following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, the number of privately owned firearms in Australia has increased. As of the latest data, there are over four million registered firearms nationwide—a 25% increase since 1996. However, there are also concerns about illicit firearms, including 3D-printed guns. In October 2016, it was estimated that there were 260,000 unregistered guns in Australia, most of them in the hands of organised crime groups and other criminals.
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA), established in 1948, is the largest organisation of firearms owners in the country. As of 2015, it had 175,000 members. The SSAA lobbies on local and federal legislation and international issues related to firearms. They argue that there is no evidence that gun control restrictions in 1987, 1996, and 2002 had any impact on established trends.
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Gun control lobbyists
Despite the success of the NFA, gun control lobbyists continue to face opposition from pro-gun groups, and the issue of gun control remains a highly contested topic in Australia. Gun control advocates, such as Gun Control Australia, have pointed to the efforts of pro-gun lobby groups to undermine Australia's strict gun laws. These pro-gun lobby groups utilise similar strategies to their American counterparts, including making political donations and supporting crossbench election candidates on unrelated issues to gain influence. The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA), for example, has appointed journalists and media managers to lobby on their behalf and argue against the effectiveness of gun control restrictions.
To counter the efforts of pro-gun lobby groups and address the issue of illegal firearms, gun control lobbyists in Australia continue to push for stricter gun laws and better enforcement of existing regulations. They advocate for measures such as firearm prohibition orders (FPOs), which give police additional powers to search and question individuals for firearms or ammunition without a warrant, and "red flag" laws, which allow for the removal of firearms from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others. Gun control lobbyists also support efforts to reduce the influence of pro-gun lobby groups, such as through increased transparency around political donations and lobbying activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia implemented a firearm ban and mandatory confiscation in 1996. The National Firearms Agreement banned several types of firearms and resulted in the government buying hundreds of thousands of the banned weapons from their owners.
Studies have shown that homicides, suicides, and mass shootings were less common after the NFA was implemented. However, it is important to note that such incidents were already declining prior to 1996.
Yes, in addition to firearms, certain weapons such as electric batons, tasers, ballistic vests, and machetes are also prohibited or restricted in Australia.
Yes, individuals who wish to possess firearms for bona fide sporting purposes can contact the relevant authorities for information and permission. Additionally, foreign security personnel accompanying visiting dignitaries may be granted exemptions under specific circumstances.
Gun control remains a highly debated topic in Australia. While there are strict regulations in place, there are still illegal guns in circulation, and crimes involving weapons continue to occur. The government continues to implement measures such as gun "buyback" schemes and stricter legislation to further reduce the number of firearms in the country.
