A mass shooting at a Sydney beach that killed 16 people has renewed debate over Australia’s gun laws, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for tougher firearm controls and a review of existing licensing rules
Australia was left reeling on Monday after a mass shooting at a
Sydney beach left 16 people dead, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call for tougher gun laws and a review of existing firearm controls. The attack occurred on Sunday evening as large crowds gathered on the beach to mark the start of Hanukkah. Police said the alleged gunmen were a father and son who opened fire on people attending the festival.
Authorities confirmed the 50-year-old father was legally licensed to own six firearms, which police believe were used in the shootings.
Albanese said the tragedy highlighted the need for stricter gun laws, including limits on how many firearms an individual can possess.
“The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” he told reporters.
Gun laws under renewed focus
The prime minister said he would raise the proposed reforms at a National Cabinet meeting with state premiers on Monday afternoon.
“People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licences should not be in perpetuity,” he said.
Mass shootings have been uncommon in Australia since 1996, when a lone gunman killed 35 people in the tourist town of Port Arthur.
The so-called “Port Arthur massacre” led to sweeping reforms that were long seen as a global benchmark. These included a gun buyback scheme, a national firearms register and tighter controls on semi-automatic weapons.
Albanese said it was time to reassess whether Australia’s gun laws needed to be tightened again.
“I’m certainly up for it.”
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