Gun owners were not happy with Howards '96 laws. There were protest marches by gun owners, lobbying, etc.
Sadly, many in the general public supported the new laws because they felt it would make for a safer society.
Safety concern, it seems, is a major factor for the average voter.
Not being gun owners, the perceived threat of 'guns in the community' tends to be blown out of proportion.
True, and the populous being mainly city dwellers means no rural roots or association. I walked those protests back then and know how many people were there but typically, the legislation was pre written and shelved until a time considered appropriate or winnable.
Howard knew he was [bleep] on Australians that's why he wore a bullet proof vest, something never seen in Australian culture before or since. Australian politics revolves around getting your 2 elections behind you to qualify for a parliamentary pension. That's always been the motivation. The voter is just to tool to achieve that retirement plan.
When truth is ignored, it does not change an untruth from remaining a lie.
