On 28 April we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in Port Arthur in Tasmania, Australia, where 35 people were killed and 18 wounded. This is the largest massacre ever perpetrated by a single gunman, anywhere in the world.

The perpetrator used an AR-15 and a FN .308 semi-automatic rifle. These guns had been banned in most of Australia, but were legally available for sale in the state of Tasmania.

The massacre provoked public outrage at the inconsistent gun laws that allowed it to happen. Australia subsequently adopted the National Firearms Agreement, harmonising gun laws across all states. This included banning semiautomatic rifles, requiring registration of all guns, and requiring proof of good reason for gun ownership.

The government has more work to do, says the Australian National Coalition for Gun Control on the anniversary of the massacre. Click here to read the press release.

You can find out more about the massacre here, including some of the press coverage on the tenth anniversary.

Click here to send a message of condolence to the families of the victims.

Remembering the victims