We are enjoying seeing the success of
our gun controlled society being hailed around the world as an example of what
can be achieved and how communities can become considerably safer.
20 years on from our gun control
legislation, it is easy to forget the controversy garnered at the time of the
legislation.
The Prime Minister at the time, John
Howard, displayed strong and committed leadership to achieve the laws and will
always be remembered for doing so. ALP Leader Kim Beasley was the same in
supporting the Howard initiative and his contribution should also be acknowledged.
With the passing of the years, we do forget the controversy
at the time and the uproar from many at the thought of giving up their guns.
We also forget that such was the fear of
violence at one point, the Prime Minister adorned a bullet proof vest when addressing a
crowd that was expected to include many gun control opponents.
The laws came after 13 mass shootings
over 18 years, and specifically the horror that occurred at Port Arthur.
As smug and superior as we may feel
right now, I confess to having strong doubts that such legislation would pass our
parliament today or even make it to the floor of parliament.
John Howard had the courage and
political good will to push ahead with tough gun control laws. Equally, the
opposition had the courage to support the legislation. Howard and Beasley did what was best for the country.
It should be noted, not only were our
gun control laws passed with the support of both major federal parties, all State
Governments supported the laws too.
Today, I see none of the courage and
commitment displayed by John Howard in any of the political leaders that have
followed be they Coalition or ALP. I certainly do not see this quality in any
of the subsequent Prime Ministers.
Further, in an era where opposing an
initiative is more important that the initiative being correct, Opposition
Leaders irrespective of which party, would most likely have not supported such
action either.
I have doubts about the ability today of
State and Federal Governments to agree on anything more complex than what time
they are breaking for dinner.
If we had today’s political leadership
back in 1996, I doubt if the Gun Control Laws we are almost unanimously proud
of would have been legislated and for that, our politicians should be ashamed.
However, we do continue to lead the world in our ways:
We have a “bonk ban”.
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