Firearms and Violence in Australian Life - An Examination of Gun Ownership and Use in Australia

• NCJ Number: 82664
• Author(s): R Harding
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 202 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Criminology Research Council
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; International Scholarly Book Services, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This book examines the extent and characteristics of gun ownership in Australia, firearms accidents, the use of firearms in criminal acts, and police use of handguns and then proposes future gun control strategies.

Abstract

A discussion of firearms laws in Australia covers handgun licensing, prohibited weapons, rifle and shotgun licensing, airguns, manufacturers' and retailers' licenses, fees, and police powers. A summary notes that while handgun laws are similar in all jurisdictions, the regulations on other guns vary widely. Estimates of gun ownership are presented, based on a 1973-74 survey of Western Australia, a 1975 general social survey, a 1978 survey of New South Wales and South Australia, and responses to a 1979 questionnaire from governmental agencies. These figures suggest that about 25 percent of Australian households own guns. Also described are types of guns owned, characteristics of gun owners, and motives for possessing firearms. According to these studies, gun owners are ordinary citizens from all levels of Australian society. An analysis of the ways Australians acquire their guns indicates that the present registration system is inadequate, since over half of all owners acquired a gun in some manner other than purchasing it from a dealer. Responses to questions concerning firearms training revealed a disturbingly low level of training and safety-consciousness. The book also addresses firearms accidents and gun use in suicide, with comparisons to other countries. The discussion of firearms use in homicide, serious assault, and robbery concludes that the national handgun inventory should be kept very small and secure. A review of police use of firearms in the Australian States considers training, inadequacies in command control, and the fleeing felony rule. Finally, recommendations for future gun controls focus on revisions and standardization in local regulations rather than a national law. The book includes tables, 33 footnotes, over 60 references, and an index.