Australia Records Highest Gun Ownership with Over 4 Million Firearms in 2025
## Australia Sees Record High in Gun Ownership with Over 4 Million Firearms in 2025
Australia has witnessed a significant surge in gun ownership, reaching an unprecedented level of over 4 million firearms by 2025. According to a report released by the Australian government on Sunday, January 18, 2026, this marks a historical peak in the number of guns owned across the nation.
Citing data from the Department of Home Affairs, the government revealed that as of 2025, there are approximately 4,113,735 firearms in circulation. The majority of these, around 1,158,654, are located in New South Wales (NSW), the most populous state in Australia. This revelation comes shortly after a tragic shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals.
In response to this devastating event, the Labor government announced that Parliament will debate a new bill this week aimed at tightening gun control measures. The proposed legislation includes provisions for a firearm buyback scheme and lowering the threshold for prosecuting hate speech. These measures are directly tied to the aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting.
Addressing the nation, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the number of firearms in Australia now surpasses levels seen before the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. That tragic event led to the deaths of 35 people and prompted the then-conservative government under Prime Minister John Howard to implement a nationwide gun buyback program.
Minister O'Neil underscored the government's commitment to preventing future tragedies, declaring, 'The lethal attack at Bondi Beach was a national tragedy. We must ensure such events never recur.' She further reiterated the administration's dedication to keeping dangerous firearms off the streets.
## Tightened Gun Laws in New South Wales
Following the Bondi Beach shooting, NSW introduced stricter gun control laws in December 2025. The new legislation prohibits private individuals from owning more than four firearms, although exceptions apply for farmers, who are permitted to own up to ten guns.
## Calls to Combat Rising Antisemitism
The Bondi Beach attack has also sparked widespread calls for stronger measures against antisemitism in Australia. Law enforcement agencies have revealed that the shooter was influenced by extremist ideologies, highlighting the need for a more robust approach to counter hate crimes and terrorism.