Aussies Buying Guns

(New South Wales, Australia) Loosening of gun laws has resulted in a buying spree.

Figures from the NSW Firearm Registry obtained by the National Coalition of Gun Control show gun ownership has risen at the rate of 10,000 a year since 2004 to 687,138 in October this year.

Multiple gun ownership has also soared. The number of people receiving permits to obtain a second or subsequent firearm in 2006 was 32,616.

It's odd that we haven't heard more about this increase in gun ownership. I would have expected loud complaining from gun control advocates.


[Update 12/14/08]

Some specifics on the gun law changes are:

The laws, introduced by the Shooters Party and supported by the government and opposition in the last sitting week of parliament, remove a 28-day waiting period for people trying to buy their second gun.

The law was also changed to allow people previously subject to apprehended violence orders (AVOs) that have expired to have the orders revoked so they can regain gun licences.

Gun control advocates claim that the addition of legal guns in the public realm will result in more being stolen and used for crime.

It's remains perplexing that there hasn't been louder protests from gun control activists. The Greens have offered remarks, stating public safety is at risk and looser gun laws are a threat to women and children, but there have been no reported marches or sit-ins or civil disobedienceby an outraged public.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.