Gun Laws Changes Now Rest With The Premier

Gun Laws Changes Now Rest With The Premier

In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack, Australians rightly expect governments to act to keep communities safe. That responsibility is shared across jurisdictions, but when it comes to firearms laws, the decision now rests with the South Australian Government and Premier Malinauskas in particular.

South Australia already has some of the strictest gun laws in the world. Firearm owners are licensed, background-checked, trained and subject to rigorous storage and compliance requirements. They are not the problem and they shouldn’t be treated as if they are.

The Premier is currently weighing up whether South Australia should adopt further restrictions following calls for national reform. His decision will determine whether this state responds with calm, evidence-based policy or with measures that punish innocent citizens for crimes they did not commit.

There is a clear distinction that must be maintained. Criminals and terrorists do not follow gun laws. They do not apply for licences or comply with storage regulations. Piling additional restrictions, buybacks or bureaucratic hurdles onto farmers, sporting shooters and collectors will not prevent violence. It will erode trust because it targets the wrong people.

If governments are serious about public safety, the focus must be on coordination and intelligence, not symbolism. A national firearms register that improves visibility across jurisdictions makes sense. Better information-sharing between agencies is essential. If ASIO or law enforcement in one state determines someone poses a risk and shouldn’t hold a licence, that information must be communicated quickly to other states and acted upon.

That is where reform should stop.

South Australians expect leadership that is firm, fair and grounded in reality. The Premier should make it clear he will not punish law-abiding gun owners, will not pursue unnecessary buybacks and will not impose further restrictions that do nothing to address the Islamic extremism and antisemitism otherwise that gave life to the Bondi terror attack.