Australia had long been viewed as a international standard-bearer in gun control – Bondi has revealed a far more complex reality.

On a weekend day in April 1996, a single attacker using semi-automatic rifles killed 35 people in the Australian tourist town of Port Arthur.

That horrific event nearly a generation ago, which sparked some of the toughest firearm regulations in the world, can seem like a bygone age for many Australians.

However, the shooting at Bondi this past Sunday, which resulted in 15 fatalities, has revived the ghosts of the 1996 shootings.

Firearm Possession at a Record High

A analysis revealed that there are now over four million guns in private hands across the country – a figure that is roughly two times the amount from about 20 years ago.

This means approximately a weapon for each small group of people.

While the state of Queensland has the largest arsenal, followed by NSW and the state of Victoria, it is the island state and the NT that have the most guns per person.

The data also contradicts the popular notion that guns are mainly owned by rural residents.

Firearms are widespread in urban centres, with a sizable percentage located in urban hubs.

Critically, there are now firearms concentrated among fewer owners, with the registered individual possessing more than four firearms.

What Are Australia's Present Firearm Regulations?

Weapons legislation in Australia are inconsistent across the country, with a disparate implementation of rules in various regions.

Typically, to apply for a gun licence, an individual must be an adult, deemed a "fit and proper person", pass a safety program, and provide a "valid purpose" for ownership.

The permitted justifications include sport shooting or animal management, marksmanship, certain job-related needs, and as a hobby.

However, significant shortcomings remain. For instance, individuals under 18 in some jurisdictions can have supervision of a firearm from as young as early adolescence.

Following the Port Arthur massacre, a comprehensive reform of national gun laws was enacted, leading to a massive buyback of over 650,000 firearms.

Certain types of firearms were banned, and vetting procedures alongside delays for sales were introduced.

A key tenet of these reforms was the rejection of "home security" as a valid reason for gun ownership.

Renewed Demands for Regulatory Tightening

In the immediate aftermath the Bondi shooting, political leaders were clear about the need to bolster gun laws.

A country-wide firearm surrender program was announced, marking the largest such effort since 1996.

Other suggested measures now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can legally own.
• Ending "open-ended" licensing arrangements.
• Making Australian citizenship a requirement for firearm ownership.
• Strengthening intelligence sharing during licence application processes.

There are also calls for regular reviews of existing licence holders, acknowledging that "individuals can be radicalised" over time.

A Nuanced Discussion

These reform efforts have sparked debate from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates argue that imposing caps would not have averted an attack driven by extremist ideology.

They suggest that political capital would be better spent addressing root causes rather than changing laws for the great bulk of licensed individuals.

Furthermore, a critical reform from 1996 – a national firearms register – remains incomplete, though it has now been listed as a key project.

A Catalyst for Change

For campaigners, the Bondi attack is a horrific reminder that regulations must be updated with changing times.

They argue that strengthening is needed to "keep up-to-date" and prevent future tragedies.

While mass shootings remain relatively rare in Australia compared to some nations, the threat persists, and the ongoing issue of firearms circulating illegally – through black markets – continues to pose a challenge.

As one advocate noted, "It is regrettable that it needs such a devastating event to prompt action and take notice."