"The deal between the federal and state governments aimed to make gun laws broadly uniform across states and territories. It introduced mandatory licensing, new rules for secure storage and use, and restrictions on semiautomatic and pump action firearms. There was a buyback scheme for guns that were now classed as illegal. Australians could voluntarily give up weapons in exchange for financial compensation leading to the surrender of more than 600,000 firearms."
"Owners would also need a genuine reason for having guns, such as hunting or sports shooting, and personal protection was not a valid reason. The NFA specifically states that firearm possession is a privilege, not a right. This sets Australia apart from other countries, most notably the United States, where a right to bear arms is included in its constitution."
A 1996 mass shooting at Port Arthur killed 35 people and wounded 23, prompting a comprehensive national response. Governments implemented the National Firearms Agreement to harmonize gun laws across states and territories. The agreement introduced mandatory licensing, stricter secure storage and use rules, and bans on semiautomatic and pump-action firearms. A government buyback offered compensation and led to the surrender of more than 600,000 firearms. Owners must demonstrate a genuine reason such as hunting or sports shooting; personal protection is not accepted. The NFA frames firearm possession as a privilege rather than a right, contrasting with the United States.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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