Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Januvia1952]

Australia will rue the day of gun control.
When the Chinese invade Australia. It’s not if but when.

 

[Jest]

Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

View attachment 22452

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

View attachment 22453

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

any thing that prevents taking a life should be banned and the perpertrator sent to prison for a long time. BUT no we have such stupid Judges sitting on benches. dumb dumb and dumber,

 

[Luckyus]

Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

View attachment 22452

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

View attachment 22453

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Another waste of tax-payers funds.

 

[Penny4]

I don't understand why the average Australian would want to own a gun. I've been in America, and I certainly don't want the same here in our country.

 

[Ricki]

Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

View attachment 22452

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

View attachment 22453

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I think it could quite possibly be on the horizon. Unfortunately we are becoming more and more like the Americans.

 

[DebbieMJ23]

Purchasing a gun already requires the submission of a Permit to Acquire that can take months to process. Those people that follow the rules are generally not the perpetrators of crimes.
More recently there seems to be an increase in knife attacks. How do we monitor that?

 

[Rob.]

Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

View attachment 22452

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

View attachment 22453

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

It's an extremely serious matter. None of us want the terrible problems that the U.S. suffers, and yet many of us strongly believe that we have the right to defend our loved ones and our homes, as well as ourselves, [especially since official help probably would be too slow arriving]. There's no point in shutting the gate after the horse has bolted. If my loved ones were at risk, the would-be attacker would be in grave danger.

 

[Penny4]

Purchasing a gun already requires the submission of a Permit to Acquire that can take months to process. Those people that follow the rules are generally not the perpetrators of crimes.
More recently there seems to be an increase in knife attacks. How do we monitor that?

In certain parts of Qld, police use metal detecting wands that search people in streets etc.

 

[Penny4]

It's an extremely serious matter. None of us want the terrible problems that the U.S. suffers, and yet many of us strongly believe that we have the right to defend our loved ones and our homes, as well as ourselves, [especially since official help probably would be too slow arriving]. There's no point in shutting the gate after the horse has bolted. If my loved ones were at risk, the would-be attacker would be in grave danger.

I believe the police are against vigilantes. People could be arrested as well.

 

[Vinylted]

I am more worried about knives! The majority of attacks nowadays are with knives. How are you going to Police that? AND if you can't even sort out what you are going to do about the youths that are committing these horrific knife crimes, there is no hope about anything else being addressed.

With a knife you can kill (or wound) maybe one or two people before being stopped, with a gun you can kill many in a much shorter time over greater distances. There is no comparison. You can kill someone with a brick, or a rock or a hammer or any amount of tools.. ban them all?/???

 

[Da Freddo]

I think it could quite possibly be on the horizon. Unfortunately we are becoming more and more like the Americans.

May I suggest that you obtain a cd titled "Machine Gun Madness", and watch it completely
before suggesting we are turning into "Yanks".
This cd is FACT NOT FICTION

 

[Tipsy]

Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

View attachment 22452

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

View attachment 22453

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

He can stick his B/S reforms where the sun dont shine, this is so that we cant defend ourselves when the UN send in their criminal troops to help control the population.... if you dont believe me thats ok to, but one can only guess that you would like to be SLAVES to wealthy One World Order.... Back when Howard the Coward organised with help of course the Port Arthur massacre just to bring in gun control by order of the One World Order... and then jailed an innocent man without trial for the deed

 

[Squizzy1]

Back in 1996, then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard enacted significant gun control legislation in response to the tragic Port Arthur massacre.

Today, current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is praising Howard's bravery and determination as he believes having a national firearms register should be the ‘next step’ for the reforms that began all those years ago.

It's a grim reminder of the tragic events that unfolded just over two decades ago, leading to the loss of 35 lives in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur.

The mass shooting led to a sweeping overhaul of Australia's gun laws, championed by Howard. Now, Albanese is looking to continue the legacy of those reforms by calling for a national gun register.

View attachment 22452

Anthony Albanese is seeking to further reform gun laws. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

In an upcoming ceremony at the National Museum, where the correspondence between Howard and Walter Mikac, a man who lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre, will be entered into the museum's collection, Albanese is set to take the stage.

With Howard and Mikac in attendance, Albanese will discuss the importance of honouring the past to continue the gun reform movement, as well as the progress towards a national firearms register.

In excerpts of his speech, Albanese describes Mikac's heartfelt letter to Howard, written just nine days after the Port Arthur massacre, as ‘one of the most extraordinary things’ he has ever read.

‘The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian,’ The current PM said in an advanced copy of the speech.

View attachment 22453

PM Albanese is set to make the remarks at the National Museum on Thursday. Credit: Ricardo Martínez González/Pexels

‘And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.” Imagine writing that, a bare nine days after losing the three people you loved most in the world to an act of unspeakable and unimaginable violence,’ he added.

‘Having to grieve, alongside so many others, in the unrelenting glare of the national spotlight … [and] somehow finding the strength to think of others, to think of the future, to try and make sure no one would ever suffer as you and your loved ones had,’ Albanese continued.

The Prime Minister also said that honouring that moment in history is a ‘reminder that our work goes on’ before mentioning progress towards a national firearms register.

The gun reforms enacted under Howard's leadership, with bipartisan support from then-Labor leader Kim Beazley and Coalition partner Tim Fischer, have since halved the death rate from firearms since 1996.

Albanese believes this is a testament to ‘the deep passion and principled advocacy’ of those who championed the cause of reform.

But the introduction of a national firearms register takes this legacy one step further. A real-time, national database would allow officers from any part of the country to access the same information in real-time, instantly checking if an individual holds an interstate gun licence.

This would vastly improve the tracking of guns and their owners across Australia, enhancing safety measures and ensuring continued vigilance in the battle against gun violence.

Earlier this year, in April, police ministers agreed to launch public consultation on a national firearms register. A unanimous decision by the national cabinet is expected in mid-2023.

The register would be a significant milestone in the overarching mission of protecting Australians from gun violence and preventing further tragic incidents like Port Arthur.

Walter Mikac, who has dedicated his life to promoting gun safety, reflects on his correspondence with Howard: ‘These letters demonstrate the power of what one positive decision in a time of trauma and senselessness can achieve.’

Honouring the memory of his family, Mikac established the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in 1997, with Howard as its inaugural patron.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises John Howard's efforts to legislate gun control following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
• Albanese suggests a national firearms register as the ‘next step’ in the gun control reforms initiated in 1996.
• A national register would enable officers across Australia to access real-time information on gun ownership and help track guns and gun owners nationwide.
• Public consultation for the national register has been launched, with a decision expected from the national cabinet in mid-2023.

We want to hear from you, members – do you think the introduction of a national gun register can help prevent mass shooting incidents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Seems a no brainer imo.

 

[tpw1961]

National gun registration is just the very first step.
We are a single country and I am so sick of things being different in every state. All our laws, schooling, court judgements, road rule and emergency services should be national. Then everyone would know where they stand and what is expected of them regardless of where they are. Currently, even Centrelink health and/or pension cards are managed different in each state.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Kelpie..I totally agree with your comments on the Voice referendum we will have to vote on.
I for one want the rules layout, before I cast my vote.
My thinking is “you don’t play any games without knowing the rules beforehand, so why would I cast a vote on something so important without knowing the rules”. I did see an interview where someone from the ALP who said “ once voting has been completed, then we will put the rules in place”

 

[Frida1944]

If this helps prevent Australia going down the same path as the US, where there seems to be multiple gun killings every day, I say definitely yes!

 

[KSS]

I thought we had a National Gun Register after the Port Arthur massacre. Gun control is 100% necessary. Global violence is on the rise and the time to get control back is NOW.

Me too. It is a travesty that after almost 30 years we still don't. It won't stop all the illegal weapons but it should stop the cross-border differences that allow a felon in one state get a gun in another.

 

[KSS]

So, you are going to give full power to some person who could be a madman to tell you what to do. Dear oh me what next.

The reason we have violence is because Governments are too weak towards the criminals, drug offenders, shop lifters, thefts and many other law braking people. When caught they get a suspended sentence, a slight hit with a feather on the back of the hand, and let off into the streets to reoffend again, all at the cost of law abiding people.

Also when caught out, these people and/or their lawyers, claim the soft card of bad upbringing and the social injustice, the parents are the blame even when the parents hands are tied behind their back by the current laws. Is any of that going to stop them from reoffending.?

In their minds, we, the law abiding citizens who worked hard all our lives are the ones to be blamed for their problems because of what they call social injustice.

Look at what's happening in San Francisco, New York and many other cities in the USA and then tell me.

I can predict to you that if this will be allowed to continue Australia will be the same. Give it time.

It is not the job of the Government to sentence criminals after a trial. That is the job of the sentencing judge. The laws and penalties are there, they are just not being applied by the justice system.

 

[Kelpie]

Australia will rue the day of gun control.
When the Chinese invade Australia. It’s not if but when.

Perhaps this is the real method in someone's madness.

Let the Chines in and lay the red carpet while they are doing it.

Madness at it's best. Congratulations Albo...NOT.!!

 

[Kelpie]

I thought we had a National Gun Register after the Port Arthur massacre. Gun control is 100% necessary. Global violence is on the rise and the time to get control back is NOW.

Yes, the Gun Regoister is there and has been there ever since Howard and the States agreed to it.

I should know because I have my guns locked up with a properly approved safe, they are registered and they get randomly inspected by a Firearm Police Officer whom he/she will check all the serial numbers and makes of them, AS REGISTERED/RECORDED.

This is just another excuse by Albo to most probably come up with something else behind the scene like he is just pushing for us to Vote YES on the Voice but he won't tell us what the Voice will entail and mean to all of us...................and only release AFTER IT HAS BEEN APPROVED.