Australia was widely regarded as a global exemplar in gun control – the Bondi tragedy has laid bare a far more complex reality.

On a Sunday afternoon in April 1996, a single attacker using semi-automatic rifles killed 35 people in the Tasmanian tourist destination of Port Arthur.

That horrific event nearly a generation ago, which ushered in some of the most stringent gun laws in the world, can seem like a bygone age for many Australians.

However, the Bondi Beach attack this past Sunday, which resulted in 15 fatalities, has brought back painful recollections of the 1996 shootings.

Firearm Possession at a Record High

A analysis revealed that there are now over four million privately-owned firearms across the country – a figure that is roughly two times the amount from two decades prior.

This translates to approximately one firearm per seven citizens.

While the state of Queensland has the largest arsenal, followed by NSW and Victoria, it is the island state and the Northern Territory that have the highest rate of firearm ownership.

The data also challenges the widespread belief that guns are primarily held by people in regional areas.

Firearms are prevalent in metropolitan and suburban areas, with a sizable percentage located in urban hubs.

Critically, there are now weapons owned by a smaller group, with the average licence holder possessing more than four firearms.

Understanding Australia's Current Gun Laws?

Gun control laws in Australia are varied across the country, with a patchwork implementation of rules across states and territories.

Typically, to obtain a gun licence, an individual must be over 18, deemed a "suitable candidate", pass a safety program, and provide a "genuine reason" for ownership.

The allowable purposes include hunting or culling, marksmanship, certain job-related needs, and as a hobby.

However, significant gaps remain. For instance, minors in some areas can have use of a firearm from as young as 10 or 12 years old.

Following the Port Arthur massacre, a sweeping overhaul of national gun laws was enacted, leading to a voluntary hand-in of over 650,000 firearms.

Certain types of firearms were banned, and security screenings 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.

Fresh Calls for Gun Law Reform

In the hours following the Bondi shooting, political leaders were unequivocal about the need to bolster gun laws.

A country-wide firearm surrender program was proposed, marking the most significant such effort since 1996.

Other planned reforms now under consideration include:

• Restricting the number of guns an individual can possess.
• Addressing "open-ended" licensing arrangements.
• Making permanent residency a prerequisite for firearm ownership.
• Improving intelligence sharing during background check processes.

There are also calls for ongoing evaluations of existing licence holders, acknowledging that "situations evolve" over time.

A Complicated Debate

These proposed changes have sparked debate from some quarters.

Pro-gun advocates argue that restricting ownership would not have averted an attack driven by radicalisation.

They suggest that resources would be better spent combating radicalisation rather than changing laws for the overwhelming number of licensed individuals.

Furthermore, a long-promised reform from 1996 – a centralised weapon tracking system – remains unfinished, though it has now been listed as a priority.

A Painful Reminder

For reformers, the Bondi attack is a tragic indication that gun laws must be updated with changing times.

They argue that reform is needed to "address deficiencies" and safeguard communities.

While mass shootings remain infrequent in Australia compared to some nations, the threat persists, and the challenge of firearms circulating illegally – through theft – continues to pose a danger.

As one advocate reflected, "It is unfortunate that it requires such a tragedy to focus attention and take notice."