Australian gun laws

Australian gun laws are among the strictest in the world, established after 1996’s Port Arthur massacre. They require most firearm purchases to be licensed, with serial numbers registered publicly. Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns are heavily restricted or prohibited, and handgun licenses are limited to specific purposes like target shooting or farming. Firearm owners must pass background checks, demonstrate a genuine need, and store weapons securely. These laws aim to balance responsible firearm ownership with community safety, significantly reducing gun violence and mass shootings in Australia.