Australia is marking the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, a tragedy that reshaped the nation’s approach to gun control and public safety.
The Port Arthur massacre remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s history.
In the aftermath, federal, state and territory governments united to implement the National Firearms Agreement (NFA), which banned semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns and rifles from civilian possession.
Thirty Years After Port Arthur Massacre, Australia Faces Rising Gun Numbers and Calls for Stricter Laws
Australia is marking the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, a tragedy that reshaped the nation’s approach to gun control and public safety. On April 28, 1996, a lone gunman killed 35 people and injured 23 others at the historic Port Arthur site in Tasmania, prompting sweeping reforms to Australia’s firearms laws. Three decades later, survivors and advocates are warning that rising gun numbers and political divisions are testing the effectiveness of those measures.
The Massacre That Changed Australia
The Port Arthur massacre remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s history. The attacker, Martin Bryant, used semi-automatic rifles to carry out the rampage, which unfolded over several hours at the popular tourist destination. The scale of the violence shocked the nation and galvanized political action.
In the aftermath, federal, state and territory governments united to implement the National Firearms Agreement (NFA), which banned semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns and rifles from civilian possession. The reforms also introduced a mandatory buyback program, removing more than 650,000 firearms from circulation. The NFA classified firearms into five categories (A through H), with stricter licensing requirements for higher-risk weapons.
A 2006 study published in Injury Prevention found that the reforms were associated with a significant decline in firearm-related deaths, including homicides and suicides, and a decade without mass shootings. The study, led by researchers at the University of Sydney, concluded that removing rapid-firing firearms from civilian hands was an effective public safety measure.
Survivors Warn of Eroding Protections
Justin Noble, a former New South Wales police officer who was present at Port Arthur during the attack, described the horror of that day in an interview with SBS News. Noble, who was on holiday with his wife at the time, recalled the “absolute terror” of the scene as gunfire erupted and panicked visitors sought safety.
“What sticks in my mind is the absolute terror of the people on the site. People were so, so scared that one person, a lady, actually saw my police warrant card with my police badge, and she hung onto my belt and then a conga line of people started all hanging on to me as I was trying to walk around the site.”
Rising Numbers News
Justin Noble, former NSW Police officer and Port Arthur survivor
Noble, who still lives with the trauma of that day, said the experience continues to shape his views on firearm ownership. “Three decades later, [the massacre] continues to shape my views on firearm ownership in Australia,” he told SBS News.
Walter Mikac, another survivor of the attack, has renewed calls for stronger national gun laws in the lead-up to the anniversary. Mikac, whose family was among those killed at Port Arthur, has been a vocal advocate for tighter restrictions, warning that political divisions and rising firearm numbers are undermining the progress made since 1996.
Rising Gun Numbers and Political Challenges
While Australia’s gun laws remain among the strictest in the world, advocates say recent trends are cause for concern. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and gun control organizations indicate that the number of registered firearms in Australia has been steadily increasing in recent years. Some estimates suggest You’ll see now more guns in civilian hands than before the 1996 buyback program.
Martin Bryant New South Wales Rising
Gun control advocates argue that loopholes and inconsistent enforcement across states and territories have weakened the NFA’s effectiveness. In December 2025, a mass shooting in Bondi, New South Wales, reignited debates over Australia’s gun laws, with advocates warning that the reforms enacted after Port Arthur have been “steadily eroded” over time. The Bondi attack, which left multiple people dead and injured, prompted national cabinet to agree to strengthen firearms regulations, though specific measures have yet to be finalized.
Samara McPhedran, a researcher and advocate for gun control, told the ABC in December 2025 that the Bondi shooting demonstrated the consequences of weakened laws. “The 1996 agreement resolved to ban the kind of semi-automatic rifles used by the shooter, Martin Bryant,” she said. “But in the years since, we’ve seen a gradual loosening of those restrictions, and the results are clear.”
What Comes Next?
As Australia reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, the debate over gun control remains as urgent as ever. While the NFA is widely credited with reducing gun violence, advocates say the rising number of firearms in circulation and political resistance to further reforms pose new challenges. Federal, state, and territory leaders have pledged to review and strengthen existing laws, but the path forward remains contentious.
For survivors like Justin Noble and Walter Mikac, the anniversary is a reminder of both the progress made and the work that remains. “We can’t afford to become complacent,” Noble said. “The lessons of Port Arthur are as important today as they were 30 years ago.”
If you or someone you know is affected by gun violence, support services are available. In Australia, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.
