Gun laws a resounding success, study shows

27 October 2004

Gun law reform in Australia has led to dramatic reductions in firearm deaths, a landmark Monash University study has revealed.

Firearm related deaths fell by nearly 65 per cent between 1979 and 2000 throughout Australia -- proving the sometimes controversial legislation has worked.

The overwhelming success of gun amnesty and buyback schemes has even led the research team to ask if "vision zero" -- the total elimination of firearm related homicides and suicides from society -- is possible.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) study investigated trends in the rates of firearm related deaths in Victoria in the context of legislative reform following mass shootings in Victoria in the late 1980s and Tasmania in 1996.

The centre's Chair of Injury Prevention, Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith, says Victoria had led the way nationally and internationally in gun law reform.

What: Media conference discussing the success of Australian gun law reform, based on Monash University research

Where: Monash University City Offices. Boardroom, Level 11, 30 Collins Street

When: Wednesday, 27 October at 10.15am

Who: Chair of Injury Prevention at Monash University Accident Research Centre, Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith, and research co-authors Ms Karen Ashby, Mr Stuart Newstead, and Ms Angela Clapperton.

Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith is available for media interviews and can be reached via the Media Communications office on +61 3 9905 9201 or +61 3 9905 9314.