Gun reforms set to pass but questions surround buyback
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
* As well as tackling the motivation for the Bondi terror attack, the government has also vowed to tackle the method as one of the Bondi gunmen, Sajid Akram, had a gun licence, and was in possession of six firearms
* Questions have been raised about why Akram was able to buy six guns after it was revealed his son and fellow Bondi shooter Naveed had previously stumbled upon an ASIO watchlist
* Australia has a record 4.1 million firearms, according to the Department of Home Affairs
*States and territories are responsible for gun licensing and ownership laws, but the national cabinet agreed to limit the number of firearms an individual can own, limit open-ended firearm licensing and limit gun licenses to Australian citizens
WHAT DO THE NEW LAWS DO?
* Allow the government to undertake a national arms buyback, the details of which will be agreed between states and territories
* Strengthen background checks by combining ASIO and ACIC intelligence assessments
* Restricting non-citizens from importing firearms
* Tighten import rules on smoothbore rifles and shotguns, handguns and gel explosives, and eliminate open-ended permits for the import of firearms
* Add new crimes to share or download online instructions on how to make or modify weapons
WHAT DID THEY SAY?
* “Australians are rightly proud of our gun laws… (but) the horrific events at Bondi show we need to remove more guns from our streets.” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
* “The critical question I have often been asked during this debate is: How many firearms would the Bondi gunmen have if this national reform package already existed? The answer is zero.” – Home Secretary Tony Burke
* “These measures are poorly structured, inadequately justified and unlikely to achieve their stated objectives.” – Shadow Home Secretary Andrew Wallace
* “This is nothing more than a cheap political diversion that does not confront the real problem in this country, which are radical Islamists.” – National Leader David Littleproud
* “These reforms are not about targeting farmers, sport shooters or licensed gun owners. They are about ensuring that people who pose real risks, including violent extremists and people on the ASIO watchlist, cannot legally access firearms.” – Independent MP Helen Haines
* “We are ready and willing to work with the government to amend firearms laws to improve the safety of society.” – Greens Senator David Shoebridge
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
* After the bill passes the Senate, it will become law, probably with the support of the Greens
* Questions remain about how the gun buyback will be implemented, with the Queensland LNP government refusing to take part in the proposal and the NT and Tasmanian governments saying they will not help fund it
