Protect Our Communities – No More Loopholes for Lethal Firearms

Urgent Call to Action

We demand immediate reforms to close dangerous gaps in Australia's gun laws:

• Ban shotguns and .308 bolt-action rifles for all civilians – These weapons have far greater killing power than restricted AR-style rifles and can kill with a single shot. No place in our society outside essential use.
• Restrict all firearm ownership to verified primary producers only – Hunters, recreational shooters, and gun club members must not have access. No exceptions.
• Limit primary producers to low-powered .22 rifles or airguns only – These are fully sufficient for pest control and humane livestock management. Anything more powerful is unnecessary and unsafe.
• Implement a mandatory buyback now – Just like 1996, compensate and remove these high-risk weapons from circulation.

To the Honorable Members of the Australian Parliament and State/Territory Governments:

We, the undersigned Australians, are calling for tougher gun control to save lives. Australia's 1996 reforms made us a world leader in gun safety after Port Arthur – but loopholes remain that allow everyday access to firearms more lethal than banned semi-automatics.

Shotguns and .308 calibre bolt-action rifles deliver devastating, often instantly fatal wounds. Their widespread availability to hunters and sporting shooters creates unacceptable risks of misuse, accidents, and tragedy.

Primary producers need tools for vermin control – but low-powered .22s and airguns get the job done safely and humanely. Recreational shooting is a privilege, not a right, especially when public safety is at stake.

Why We Must Act Now

• Prevent future mass shootings and domestic violence tragedies
• Close loopholes that undermine our hard-won gun safety legacy
• Keep lethal weapons out of the wrong hands
• Build an even safer Australia for our children and communities

We urge Parliament to table this petition, launch a full review of firearms laws within six months, and enact these life-saving changes without delay.

Sign today and demand real action – for a safer tomorrow.