The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) today congratulates the decisive action by the NSW and federal governments with the announcement of the biggest gun buyback in 30 years.
PHAA CEO Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin said “today is an historic day and an important first step in regaining gun control in Australia”.
“For too long the gun control protections ushered in by the Howard government have been whittled away.”
“Today I warmly congratulate the federal and NSW governments for their action.”
While the NSW and federal government is a momentous step in the right direction, other jurisdictions are unfortunately lagging behind, with some politicians seeking to walk back on gun control.
“Let’s be very clear. Any government, any politician, any political party which says they support people in the regions and rural communities should be supporting this gun buyback scheme. The sad reality is people in the bush are far more likely to be victims of gun violence than those in the cities,” Adjunct Professor Slevin said.
“It’s simple: the fewer guns there are in Australia, the smaller chance Australians will be shot. The vast majority of Australians understand and support that principle.”
“We must keep moving forward in our efforts to keep the public safe by getting serious on gun control. I am calling on every other state and territory to follow in the steps of the NSW government and to begin consultation with the federal government to help fund consistent, uniform gun laws across Australia.”
