[Greens-Media] Greens again demand handgun control laws

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Monday, 18 June 2007

Greens again demand handgun control laws

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown has expressed shock at today's
shootings in Melbourne and condolences for the victims and their
families.

"This horrific incident highlights the need for stronger national
handgun control laws. The Greens have been campaigning since 1996 to
restrict handguns, in particular, semi-automatic handguns capable of
causing multiple deaths," Senator Brown said.

"Greens amendments to ban semi-automatic handguns except for police and
other legitimate uses have been voted down in the parliament."

"There are now up to 20,000 illegal handguns in Australia and
100-200,000 handguns registered. Law changes in 2002 left high-powered
semi-automatic handguns in circulation. John Howard and the state
premiers have failed to tackle this problem: we call for urgent action
to get rid of the handgun menace," 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