Australia’s National Firearms Agreement

Australia's National Firearms Agreement (NFA), established in 1996 after the Port Arthur massacre, aims to reduce gun violence. It introduced strict regulations on firearm ownership, requiring owners to have a legitimate reason (like sport shooting or pest control) and undergo background checks and safety training. The agreement also banned semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, implemented a buyback scheme to reduce existing firearm numbers, and established state-level licenses for gun owners. Overall, the NFA significantly tightened gun control across Australia, contributing to a long-term decline in gun-related deaths and mass shootings.