Full Story Why the Australian gun lobby says it’s ‘winning’
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Aug 24, 2025 In this discussion, Sarah Martin, a senior correspondent at Guardian Australia, and investigative reporter Ariel Bogle delve into the unsettling rise in firearm ownership in Australia. They highlight alarming statistics, including over 2,000 new guns added weekly, and unpack the challenges posed by 3D-printed weapons. The duo explores the gun lobby's strategies and claims of 'winning' against firearm control measures. They also reflect on the impact of the Port Arthur massacre and the cultural implications of current gun ownership trends.
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Firearms Numbers Have Doubled Since Port Arthur
- Australia now has just over 4 million registered firearms, higher per capita than after Port Arthur.
- Gun owners now hold multiple guns each, creating private arsenals in suburban areas.
Port Arthur Triggered Nationwide Reform
- The 1996 National Firearms Agreement gained rare bipartisan support and led to mass buybacks.
- It introduced uniform licensing, storage rules, and bans on many semi-automatic weapons.
Reason-Based Licensing Replaced Self-Defense
- The reforms removed personal protection as a reason for ownership and required a genuine reason like hunting or sport.
- More than 600,000 weapons were surrendered in the buyback scheme.