Key Takeaways:
- The Northern Territory Firearms Council is opposing calls for urgent changes to gun laws, including limiting the number of weapons a person can own.
- The council argues that the current laws in the Northern Territory are effective and that restricting gun ownership would not necessarily improve community safety.
- National cabinet has agreed to explore options for bolstering gun ownership rules, including limiting the number of guns an individual can own and making only Australian citizens eligible to hold a firearms licence.
- The Northern Territory has a high number of registered firearms, with around one gun for every five people in the territory.
- Research suggests that the number of guns in Australia has increased substantially since the Port Arthur massacre, and that stricter gun laws are needed to improve community safety.
Introduction to the Debate
The debate over gun laws in Australia has been reignited following a recent terror attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a national cabinet meeting where state and territory leaders agreed to explore options for bolstering gun ownership rules. One of the options being considered is limiting the number of guns an individual can own. However, the Northern Territory Firearms Council is pushing back against this idea, arguing that there should be no limit on the number of weapons a person can own.
The Northern Territory’s Current Gun Laws
The Northern Territory currently has some of the most lenient gun laws in the country. There is no limit on the number of guns a person can own, and individuals can hold more than one type of licence. In fact, the territory’s gun laws were loosened in November, removing the mandatory 28-day waiting period for existing Category A and B licence holders purchasing another gun of the same category. The Deputy Chief Minister, Gerard Maley, said at the time that the change "struck the right balance between public safety and fairness for responsible firearm owners". However, this decision has been criticized by some who argue that it increases the risk of guns falling into the wrong hands.
The Argument Against Gun Limits
The Northern Territory Firearms Council is warning against introducing gun limits in the territory. President Grant Hatcher said that the current laws are effective and that restricting gun ownership would not necessarily improve community safety. He argued that a very emotional time is not the time to make decisions that perhaps aren’t going to be to the best benefit of everybody involved. Hatcher also said that there is merit in making gun licences available to only citizens, but warned against other changes, saying "we’ve got to get all the facts first". The council’s opposition to gun limits is likely to be a major point of contention in the debate over gun laws in the Northern Territory.
The Push for Stricter Gun Laws
Despite the opposition from the Northern Territory Firearms Council, there are many who are pushing for stricter gun laws in Australia. Research from the Australia Institute shows that there are too many guns in the Northern Territory and across the nation. The institute’s research director, Rod Campbell, said that the number of guns in Australia has increased substantially since the Port Arthur massacre, and that stricter gun laws are needed to improve community safety. Campbell argued that a good way to reduce the number of guns in Australia is by looking at gun licences, what licences are available, and how many guns individuals are allowed to own. He also pointed out that substantial numbers of legally-owned firearms get stolen and end up in the hands of criminals, which is a major concern for community safety.
The Need for a Territory-First Approach
The Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, has said that she will continue to take a territory-first approach at national cabinet. This approach prioritizes the needs and concerns of the Northern Territory, rather than simply following the lead of other states. Finocchiaro has pointed out that the territory already has "strong" gun laws and that Territorians use firearms for "legitimate and responsible purposes". However, this approach has been criticized by some who argue that it prioritizes the interests of gun owners over the need for stricter gun laws.
Conclusion
The debate over gun laws in Australia is complex and contentious. While some argue that stricter gun laws are needed to improve community safety, others argue that the current laws are effective and that restricting gun ownership would not necessarily achieve the desired outcome. The Northern Territory Firearms Council is opposed to introducing gun limits in the territory, while research from the Australia Institute suggests that the number of guns in Australia needs to be reduced. Ultimately, the decision on gun laws will depend on a careful consideration of the evidence and the competing interests at play. As the national cabinet continues to explore options for bolstering gun ownership rules, it is clear that this debate will be ongoing for some time.
