Why Australia has more guns than ever
January 19, 2026
16 min
1791
Full
1,876 of 2,041

Episode 1791 · January 19, 2026
Why Australia has more guns than ever
0:00 / 16:49
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The Messy Conservatives Episodes Around January 19, 2026
Episode 1,876 of 2,041 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
16:49This episodeWhy Australia has more guns than ever
Summary
<p>In the aftermath of the 1996 massacre at Port Arthur, Prime Minister John Howard donned a bullet proof vest and argued the case for gun control, to crowds of angry protestors. </p> <p>His reforms, including a ban on automatic and semi-automatic weapons, and a national buyback scheme, changed the country by getting rid of more than half a million guns.</p> <p>But in the years since, the number of guns in Australia has skyrocketed, and as Anthony Albanese tries to change that, the Coalition is fighting back, while the Greens have signalled early support. </p> <p>Today, deputy director at<em> The Australia Institute </em>Ebony Bennett on why Australia has more guns than ever – and whether Labor’s proposed plan will make us safer.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Deputy director at<em> The Australia Institute </em>Ebony Bennett </p> <p><strong>Photo: </strong>AAP Image/Joel Carrett</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
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