Australia was widely regarded as a global exemplar in gun control – the Bondi attack has revealed a more complicated situation.

On a weekend day in the year 1996, a lone gunman using semi-automatic rifles took the lives of 35 people in the historic site of Port Arthur.

That national tragedy nearly thirty years ago, which led to some of the most stringent gun laws in the world, can feel like a distant memory for many citizens.

However, the shooting at Bondi this past Sunday, which claimed 15 lives, has revived the ghosts of the Tasmanian tragedy.

Gun Ownership at a Record High

A analysis revealed that there are now over four million guns in private hands across the country – a figure that is nearly twice the amount from two decades prior.

This means approximately a weapon for each small group of people.

While the state of Queensland has the largest arsenal, followed by NSW and Victoria, it is Tasmania and the NT that have the most guns per person.

The data also dispels the widespread belief that guns are mostly possessed by those in the countryside.

Weapons are prevalent in cities and their outskirts, with a large share located in population centres.

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

Understanding Australia's Current Gun Laws?

Firearm regulations in Australia are varied across the country, with a disparate implementation of rules across states and territories.

Broadly speaking, to obtain a gun licence, an individual must be an adult, deemed a "responsible individual", pass a training and safety course, and provide a "genuine reason" for ownership.

The permitted justifications include sport shooting or animal management, marksmanship, certain job-related needs, and as a hobby.

However, significant shortcomings remain. For instance, young people in some areas can have access to a firearm from as young as pre-teen age.

Following the Port Arthur massacre, a sweeping overhaul of national gun laws was enacted, leading to a massive buyback of over 650,000 firearms.

Certain types of firearms were prohibited, and background checks alongside delays for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the rejection of "personal protection" as a valid reason for gun ownership.

Fresh Calls for Firearm Policy Changes

In the immediate aftermath the Bondi shooting, political leaders were forceful about the need to bolster gun laws.

A country-wide firearm surrender program was announced, marking the largest such effort since 1996.

Other suggested measures now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can possess.
• Addressing "perpetual" licensing arrangements.
• Making permanent residency a requirement for firearm ownership.
• Strengthening intelligence sharing during licence application processes.

There are also calls for periodic reassessments of existing licence holders, acknowledging that "individuals can be radicalised" over time.

A Nuanced Discussion

These proposed changes have drawn criticism from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates argue that imposing caps would not have averted an attack driven by radicalisation.

They suggest that political capital would be better spent improving intelligence rather than restricting lawful owners for the vast majority of law-abiding citizens.

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

Tragedy as a Wake-Up Call

For long-time advocates, the Bondi attack is a horrific reminder that policies must be updated with changing times.

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

While mass shootings remain infrequent in Australia compared to some nations, the risk persists, and the ongoing issue of guns in the wrong hands – through poor storage – continues to pose a danger.

As one advocate noted, "It's sad that it takes such a tragedy to prompt action and pay heed."