Key Takeaways
- The recent Bondi shooting has raised concerns about the ease of use and quick reloading of certain firearms in Australia, despite gun law reforms.
- The use of straight-pull bolt-action rifles and shotguns allowed the shooters to fire quickly and repeatedly, with minimal reloading time.
- Australia’s gun laws are nationally agreed but administered at the state level, with varying regulations on firearm ownership and use.
- Experts are calling for a review of gun control laws, including limiting the number of firearms that can be licensed per person and re-examining the classification of certain firearms.
- The number of licensed owners in Australia has halved since 1996, but the number of firearms in the country has increased to record levels.
Introduction to the Bondi Shooting
The recent shooting at Bondi Beach has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of Australia’s gun laws. Video footage of the incident shows the shooters firing quickly and repeatedly, with minimal reloading time. This has raised questions about the types of firearms used and how they were able to be used in such a way. According to Dr. John Coyne, the director of the national security program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the shooters used a combination of bolt-action rifles and shotguns, which allowed for quick reloading due to their straight-pull bolt action.
The Use of Straight-Pull Bolt-Action Rifles
The straight-pull bolt action is a design feature that allows the shooter to reload quickly and easily. This is because the bolt only needs to be pulled back in one movement to load another round, making it faster than traditional bolt-action rifles. This design feature has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in Australia, where semi-automatic firearms are banned. As Dr. Coyne noted, "people couldn’t get access to semi-automatic firing weapons, and they get closer to that speed for repeated fire." The use of straight-pull bolt-action rifles has raised concerns about the potential for rapid firing, even with firearms that are legally owned and used.
Australia’s Gun Laws
Australia’s gun laws are nationally agreed but administered at the state level. In New South Wales, where the Bondi shooting occurred, the weapons used would likely have been classified as "category B" firearms, which include lever-action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than five rounds. To own and use these firearms, individuals must demonstrate a genuine reason, such as sport or target shooting, hunting, or primary production. However, experts argue that the laws are inconsistent and have not evolved to address the changing nature of firearms technology.
The Marketing of Firearms
The speed of firing is a key marketing point for gun manufacturers, with companies such as Beretta promoting their straight-pull bolt-action rifles as "guaranteeing the utmost speed, accuracy, precision, safety, and ease of use." This marketing has contributed to the popularity of these firearms among gun owners, who value their ability to fire quickly and easily. However, this has also raised concerns about the potential for rapid firing and the need for stricter regulations on firearm ownership and use.
The Need for Stricter Regulations
Experts are calling for a review of Australia’s gun control laws, including limiting the number of firearms that can be licensed per person and re-examining the classification of certain firearms. As Professor David Bright noted, "we need to have that conversation again as a country… most Australians support stronger gun laws." The recent increase in firearm ownership, despite a decline in the number of licensed owners, has also raised concerns about the need for stricter regulations. Associate Professor Andrew Hemming argued that the new generation of quick-loading guns should be considered afresh, and authorities should look carefully at whether individual firearms have been modified.
Conclusion
The Bondi shooting has highlighted the need for a review of Australia’s gun control laws and the potential for rapid firing with certain firearms. The use of straight-pull bolt-action rifles and shotguns has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations, and experts are calling for stricter laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the debate continues, it is clear that Australia’s gun laws must evolve to address the changing nature of firearms technology and ensure public safety.
