Australian Prime Minister Calls for Tougher Gun Laws After Bondi Attack

Umesh Dhakal

KNA- Canberra

The Prime Minister has warned that Australia now has more firearms in circulation than it did at the time of the Port Arthur massacre, saying the trend cannot be allowed to continue. Speaking after the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi, the Prime Minister said non-citizens have no legitimate need to own guns, and questioned why individuals in suburban Sydney should have access to multiple firearms.

“Someone in suburban Sydney has no need to own six guns,” the Prime Minister said, noting that one of the attackers from the weekend had access to multiple weapons.

The federal government is now working with state and territory governments on tougher gun control measures, including a national buyback scheme for newly banned and illegal firearms.

The Prime Minister said while gun law reform alone would not prevent every act of violence, it was a necessary step to improve public safety.

“The deadly terrorist attack at Bondi can never be allowed to happen again,” he said. “We will do everything it takes to keep Australians safe.”