Gun Control Australia says the country is long overdue for stronger, nationally consistent firearms regulations and public sentiment is firmly behind the push. Roland Browne, a spokesperson for the organisation, noted that only about 6 to 7 percent of Australians are gun owners, while the overwhelming majority support tighter controls.
Browne estimates there are roughly 2 million firearms in circulation nationwide, including around 250,000 unlawful weapons that remain on the black market. He argues that this alone underscores the need for more rigorous assessments for licence applicants, including deeper scrutiny of suitability and of individuals who own multiple firearms.
The group welcomed the interim report’s recommendations to prioritise a proposed National Gun Buyback Scheme and to update the National Firearms Agreement, calling the move a crucial step toward a safer and more unified national approach. Browne said the recommendations should motivate all states and territories to work together rather than operate in isolation.
He pointed specifically to Queensland and the Northern Territory, which he said are not planning to participate in a buyback or ban rapid‑fire weapons. Tasmania, he added, is also not moving to introduce caps on gun ownership.
Browne urged governments across Australia to “take heed of these recommendations” and act collectively to strengthen the country’s gun laws.
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