Key Takeaways:
- The NSW government has proposed firearm restrictions in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack, which would include caps on the number of firearms a licensed shooter can own and a ban on belt-fed ammunition magazines.
- The proposed legislation aims to reduce the growing number of guns across the state and prevent further harm.
- Research suggests that reducing the number of firearms in the state would go far to reduce the risk of harm, including by preventing gun theft.
- There are currently over 1.1 million firearms registered in NSW, with some individuals owning hundreds of guns.
- The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia has expressed concerns about the proposed reforms, stating that they would not have prevented the terror attack and that firearms owners were not consulted.
Introduction to Firearm Restrictions
The recent terror attack at Bondi Beach has sparked a wave of concern about firearm ownership and control in New South Wales. In response, the NSW government has proposed a range of restrictions, including caps on the number of firearms a licensed shooter can own and a ban on belt-fed ammunition magazines. Premier Chris Minns has announced that state parliament will be recalled to discuss the proposed legislation, which aims to reduce the growing number of guns across the state and prevent further harm. According to gun control researcher, Rod Campbell, reducing the number of firearms in the state would go far to reduce the risk of harm, including by preventing gun theft.
Current State of Firearm Ownership in NSW
The current state of firearm ownership in NSW is a cause for concern, with over 1.1 million firearms registered in the state. Some individuals own hundreds of guns, with one person registered to hold 298 firearms. The dataset, which excludes firearms owned by dealers and collectors, reveals that there are more than 50 people who have more than 100 firearms registered to them. The postcode with the highest number of total firearms is 2340, where more than 18,000 firearms are registered across suburbs and regional cities, including Tamworth in the state’s north-east. This raises concerns about the potential for gun theft and the risk of harm to the community.
Proposed Legislation
The proposed legislation aims to address these concerns by introducing caps on the number of firearms a licensed shooter can own. While the exact number of firearms that would be allowed under the proposed legislation is not yet clear, Premier Minns has stated that Western Australia’s current cap of five guns per person is "still too many". The legislation would also reclassify shotguns and ban belt-fed ammunition magazines in those weapons. Additionally, firearm licence holders may lose their ability to appeal to the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal when their licence is revoked. The proposed reforms have been welcomed by some as a necessary step to reduce the risk of harm, but others have expressed concerns about the impact on law-abiding firearms owners.
Response from the Sporting Shooters’ Association
The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia has expressed concerns about the proposed reforms, stating that they would not have prevented the terror attack at Bondi Beach. Chief executive Tom Kenyon argues that the proposed legislation is "irrelevant" and that the focus should be on preventing radicalisation and improving information sharing between the Commonwealth and the states. Kenyon also expressed concerns that firearms owners were not consulted on the proposed legislation, making it difficult to accept that the government is prepared to negotiate in good faith. The Association has called for a more nuanced approach to firearm control, one that takes into account the rights of law-abiding firearms owners while also addressing the risks associated with firearm ownership.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the proposed firearm restrictions in NSW aim to reduce the growing number of guns across the state and prevent further harm. While the proposed legislation has been welcomed by some, others have expressed concerns about the impact on law-abiding firearms owners. The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia has called for a more nuanced approach to firearm control, one that takes into account the rights of law-abiding firearms owners while also addressing the risks associated with firearm ownership. As the state parliament prepares to discuss the proposed legislation, it is essential that all stakeholders are consulted and that a balanced approach is taken to address the complex issue of firearm control in NSW. The proposed legislation is expected to be pushed through parliament "in a short space of time", with state parliament due to sit on December 22 and 23 to discuss the reforms.
