The recent Bondi Beach shooting, which resulted in 15 fatalities, has rekindled a national conversation about gun laws in Australia, revealing a shift in the landscape of gun ownership. Gun control advocates now face challenges as over four million firearms are reported to be privately owned across the country, a number significantly higher than two decades ago.

In the wake of the massacre, which echoes the tragic Port Arthur event of 1996 that led to stringent gun regulations, advocates are demanding reforms to prevent further tragedies. Roland Browne, a prominent gun control advocate, expressed disappointment in the slow response of political leaders, stating similar circumstances of public shootings need renewed political will and community support for reform.

Despite Australia's reputation for rigorous gun laws, reports suggest that gun ownership is on the rise, challenging the narrative of safety. Browne suggests a reassessment of licensing and ownership regulations, particularly emphasizing the need for stricter control on firearms that are powerful and readily accessible.

The government's recent proposals for reform include limiting the number of firearms per owner and improving oversight of gun licensing. Still, there remains a divide among stakeholders about the efficacy of such measures, with some experts arguing that a focus on radicalization and criminal backgrounds might yield better results in protecting the public.