In a significant move, the Australian government has earmarked $161.3 million over the next four years to establish a national firearms register, providing law enforcement with crucial information on firearms, their ownership, and potential risks posed to the community. This decision, approved by state and territory leaders at the national cabinet meeting in December last year, marks the most substantial update to Australia's firearm management systems in almost three decades. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the register will enhance community safety and ensure that Australia's firearms laws remain effective on a global scale.
The push for a national firearms register gained momentum following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to significant reforms in Australia's gun laws, including a large-scale gun buyback. However, the implementation of a register was delayed until recently, triggered by a tragic incident in Queensland in 2022 where two police officers and a community member were killed by an individual with a suspended gun license. Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers highlighted the challenges posed by the existing fragmented firearms information system, emphasizing the need for a centralized hub of data accessible to law enforcement officers across jurisdictions.
The establishment of the national firearms register aims to provide frontline police officers with near real-time information on firearms, parts, and owners, ultimately enhancing the ability of law enforcement to assess firearms risks effectively. The initiative has received support from various organizations, including the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, founded by Walter Mikac who lost his family members in the Port Arthur massacre. The Foundation commended the government's commitment to prioritizing community safety by implementing the register, marking a significant advancement in Australia's approach to firearm regulation. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission is set to administer the register, with a goal of full operationalization within the next four years.