Sydney: How is it possible to own 6 guns?

Following the tragedy in Sydney, where Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram killed at least 15 people, questions are being raised about gun ownership in Australia. Police confirmed that the six guns they possessed were legally registered. Sajid Akram had a license for recreational hunting and was a member of a shooting club.

Susanna Fay, Assistant Professor of Criminology at the University of Queensland, explains that Australian gun control laws are effective but need improvements. After the mass shooting in 1996, Australia enacted the National Firearms Agreement (NFA). The 'genuine reason' provisions require an active relationship with the gun owner community, preventing individuals from purchasing weapons without a valid reason.

To obtain a gun in New South Wales, a background check, mental health assessment, and absence of domestic violence history are required. Applicants must pass the 'fit and proper person' test and obtain an acquisition permit. A safety course and specific gun storage methods are also mandatory.

The National Cabinet has agreed on measures such as accelerating the national firearms registry and restricting licenses to Australian citizens only, as well as imposing a cap on the number of guns an individual can own.

Susanna Fay suggests the active involvement of gun dealers in legal changes, as they have direct contact with buyers and can provide valuable information.