Australian Gun Control Icon Sounds Alarm on Bondi Beach Shooting

Rebecca Peters, a prominent Australian gun control advocate, has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen gun laws in Australia. Peters, who led the successful movement for gun reform in Australia after a mass shooting in 1996, has been speaking out about the need for stricter gun control measures in the wake of the Bondi Beach shooting. "It's far more difficult to get a gun in Australia than in most American states," Peters said in an interview with NPR. "You have to get a license, and that involves consideration of whether you're a fit and proper person." Peters noted that the current gun laws in Australia are a result of a 1996 mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, which killed 35 people. In response to the tragedy, the Australian government implemented a nationwide ban on semi-automatic firearms and introduced stricter licensing requirements. Since then, gun-related deaths in Australia have decreased significantly. The Bondi Beach shooting has raised questions about whether Australia's gun laws are sufficient to prevent such tragedies. Peters acknowledged that while the current laws are effective, there is always room for improvement. "We need to continue to strengthen our gun laws and ensure that they are enforced," she said. "We also need to address the root causes of gun violence, such as mental health issues and social isolation." Peters' comments come as the Australian government is considering new gun control measures in response to the Bondi Beach shooting. The government has announced plans to review the country's gun laws and consider introducing new restrictions on firearms. The review is expected to be completed in the coming months. In the meantime, Peters and other gun control advocates will continue to push for stricter gun laws in Australia. As Peters noted, "The safety of our communities depends on it."