More than 16 months after the parliamentary committee (of which I was a member) handed down a bipartisan report, the PM is yet to respond
Barely weeks after being elected prime minister in 1996, John Howard’s leadership, political courage and integrity were put to the test on the issue of gun ownership following the tragic mass shooting at Port Arthur. It was a test he passed – Australians have lower rates of gun ownership than our counterparts thanks to gun reform, and have not been the victims of the mass shootings and other horrific events that have occurred in other parts of the world, especially the US.
Howard had to stare down many of his voter base and convince his Coalition partner and those in the regions that reform was necessary for the long-term safety of Australians.
Jenny Ware is the federal Liberal member for Hughes
In Australia, Gambling Help Online is available on 1800 858 858. The National Debt Helpline is at 1800 007 007. The crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
