Gun Control in Australia: A Criminological Perspective

Abstract

In recent months there has been an upsurge in contributions to the popular press from social commentators insisting that guns make our nation safer. This essay questions these assertions. The paper provides evidence to support a contrary affirmation: that is, in order to have a reduction in gun violence, there needs to be a reduction in the number of guns generally, and a continuation of the legal controls that currently shape firearms policy in Australia.

Keywords

• gun control
• gun crime
• gun violence
• gun safety
• gun legislation
• firearms control
• anti-gun lobby