Gun Control: What Australia got right

by Tom Frame

In the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre on 28 April 1996 – when a gunman murdered 35 people and injured another 23 at a popular Tasmanian tourist attraction – John Howard, a conservative prime minister who had been in office for just six weeks, surprised his colleagues and startled the nation by moving swiftly to transform Australia’s lax firearm laws. The National Firearms Agreement, produced just twelve days after the massacre with support from all levels of government and across the political divide, is now held up around the world as a model for gun control.

Gun Control analyses whether the Australian Government achieved its intention and what it might have done in response to the massacre, and didn’t.

Genres: Nonfiction, Australia

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Sam Villaluz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was out for dinner w Australian family friends who live near Bondi Beach when the Dec 2025 mass shooting happened. They were shocked, horrified- nothing like this has happened since they were born (all born after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre which prompted swift gun reform). Tbh I was sickened with myself, after living in America for yrs I'm guilty of normalizing violence.

This book speaks about Australia's history, outlook, and action related to firearms and later compares that with the US. Honestly no real light at the end of the tunnel for the US. It did wrap up with more that the Australian/NZ government and citizens can do to further conversation/policy

"Two critical things that distinguish Australia from the United States are the Second Amendment and the existence of the NRA. Australia has neither...Were I an American citizen faced with the possibility of a shooting spree at any time and any pace, I would be lobbying for substantial legislative reform including repeal of the Second Amendment. Whether the cultural mood in the US can be altered sufficiently for this to happen is difficult to predict. Apparently something more devastating than the Las Vegas shooting (58 dead in 2017) must happen in the US for the majority of Americans to change their minds. It is hard to imagine how terrible and tragic such an incident might need to be"

[Caitlin Knightly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the history of gun Control in Australia. I found the background really helpful as I’m not an Australian but currently living here. I liked the comparison to the USA and found the book very thought-provoking for changes that could be made to the NFA in the future.

[Arun Skariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but there was no conclusion. The book appeared more about summarising history rather than finally detailing what was right and wrong in a succint manner. Thought-provoking but feels like it was missing a chapter or two at the end.