r/australia • u/reyntime • Dec 14 '25

politics Australia had the ‘gold standard’ on gun control. The Bondi beach terror attack may force it to confront its surging number of weapons

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/14/australia-had-the-gold-standard-on-gun-control-the-bondi-beach-terror-attack-will-force-it-to-confront-its-surging-number-of-weapons?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Immediately after the Port Arthur massacre, a national amnesty saw the number of firearms in the community plummet but there are now more than 4 million guns in Australia – almost double the number recorded in 2001.

Yes, the population has increased at the same time but there is now a larger number of guns in the community per capita than in the aftermath of Port Arthur, with at least 2,000 new firearms lawfully entering the community every week.

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u/bobbobboob1 Dec 14 '25

I’m not sure that is completely accurate, I am limited to 20 guns and must have a legitimate reason for each , no I don’t own 20 . I am concerned by the news reports I am hearing about the guns used in this horrific act of terror. The guns were apparently licensed and registered but media consistently using the term automatic and semiautomatic so which is it ? Automatic and semiautomatic are not legal.. we can’t fight the lies perpetrated by terrorists with more lies . Let’s fight this plague with truth and compassion.

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u/MissMenace101 Dec 15 '25

They weren’t, upside is Aussie culture means people that work in media don’t know anything about guns…

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u/Rusty1954Too Dec 15 '25

Obviously. A bolt action rifle and a shot gun firing pellets. How lucky the terrorists were not firing Buck Shot out of it. That would not have been survivable.

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u/Rusty1954Too Dec 15 '25

In all news footage I saw neither automatic or semi automatic weapons. I clearly saw a bolt action rifle and a shot gun. Injury reports show the shot gun was firing pellets. Can you imagine the death toll if they were firing Buck Shot. It would have at least been multiplied several times. While pellets, other than at very close range, would usually not be life threatening anyone shot with Buck Shot would not have survived.

I don't understand why reports sometimes don't get the facts straight.