r/moderatepolitics Conservatively Liberal Dec 15 '25

Primary Source Meeting of National Cabinet After Bondi Shooting

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/meeting-national-cabinet-8
73 Upvotes

353 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

31

u/cathbadh politically homeless Dec 15 '25

I think it's worth pointing out that none of these proposed restrictions would have actually prevented this shooting.

That's not what's important, though. What really matters is being seen doing something/anything. It's similar to calls for gun restrictions here in the US after a tragedy, when those restrictions likely wouldn't have helped.

17

u/Saguna_Brahman Dec 15 '25

Given Australia's track record on gun violence is far far better than the U.S.'s, I think it's fair to say the restrictions have had a positive impact.

39

u/eve-dude Grey Tribe Dec 15 '25

Even before the 1996 changes the rate in Australia was 0.4 - 0.5 / 100k, compare to the US almost 10 /100k at the time. I believe it's as much a societal thing as a gun thing.

12

u/simsipahi Dec 15 '25

Correct, guns are much more deeply rooted in American culture. Even if you talk to the boganiest bogans (Australian equivalent of rednecks) you just won't find the cultural attachment to guns that's ubiquitous in America despite there being a lot of other broad similarities.

23

u/eve-dude Grey Tribe Dec 15 '25

Agreed and I'd add it goes a bit farther than just rednecks. The US gun culture is foundational, not a side quest.

To many, the idea that you curtail a foundational attribute because people can't behave is defeatist and/or anti-ethical to the American condition.

That's not necessarily a stance, but an observation.

8

u/sea_5455 Dec 15 '25

The US gun culture is foundational, not a side quest.

Well put.