Global News Podcast The Global Story - Why Australia’s gun laws aren’t as strong as you might think
39 snips
Dec 21, 2025 
Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter at Guardian Australia, sheds light on the complexities of Australian gun laws. She discusses how perceptions of Australia as a model for gun control don’t reflect the rising number of firearms in the country. Ariel highlights the unique licensing requirements, including the 'genuine reason' rule, and the contrast with American gun culture. Recent violent incidents, like the Bondi Beach attack, have reignited debates about regulation reforms. Tune in for insights on rural gun ownership and the political challenges facing potential reforms.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rapid National Reform After Port Arthur
- Australia responded to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre with sweeping national reforms within 12 days, banning many semi-automatic weapons.
- The reforms included a national buyback and made unregistered firearms illegal, reshaping national gun policy.
Ownership As Privilege, Not Right
- Australia treats gun ownership as a privilege requiring a "genuine reason," not a constitutional right for self-defence.
- Common reasons granted include farming, pest control and sport; self-protection is not accepted.
Port Arthur And Howard's Bulletproof Vest
- Ariel recounts Martin Bryant's Port Arthur attack where a semi-automatic rifle killed 35 people and wounded 23, shocking the nation.
- She describes John Howard wearing a bulletproof vest while selling the reforms and the iconic buyback imagery of bins full of guns.