[Greens-Media] Greens renew calls to take automatic pistols off market in Australia

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Greens renew calls to take automatic pistols off market in Australia

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown says the massacre at Virginia Tech
rekindles the horror of Port Arthur. 

"Our sympathy goes to the victims and relatives of victims of this
senseless and preventable slaughter in the United States," Senator Brown
said.

Senator Brown said the early reports of the use of handguns by the
killer underscores the continuing need for review of gun laws in
Australia. There are an estimated 250,000 handguns in Australia. 

"Most people don't know that handguns, with magazines holding up to ten
bullets, are not prohibited on the Australian market. They should be
banned. In Australia, handguns are generally only available to members
of approved pistol clubs and to gun collectors. The need for very
restricted, tightly controlled use of handguns for sports shooting must
not excuse these guns being more widely available within the community,"
Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603


--------------------------------------------------------------
Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au