On Sunday 28 April 1996 at Port Arthur, a young Hobart man perpetrated one of the deadliest civilian shootings in the world. Among the 35 people who died that day were Walter Mikac’s wife Nanette and two daughters Alannah (aged 6) and Madeline (aged 3). Nine days after the tragedy, Walter sent a letter to Prime Minister John Howard.
The correspondence between the Hon John Howard OM AC and our Founding Patron, Walter Mikac AM impelled a national reform on gun control in Australia — a defining moment in our nation’s history.
These letters were received by the National Museum of Australia in Canberra in June 2023 and were on temporary public display for their Defining Moments in History collection.
The National Museum of Australia have loaned the history-making letters to Australian Parliament House where they will be on display for three months in the Marble Foyer.
On Tuesday 26th March, the display was officially opened by the Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus and Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton in conjunction with the Parliamentary Friends of Firearm Safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also in attendance and again thanked Walter for his courage, stating that almost 30 years on from the Port Arthur tragedy, firearm deaths had halved across the country.
“We owe so much to Australians like Walter Mikac for making this possible. But there is more to do to make sure what happened to Walter never happens again.” Mr Albanese continued by saying “We are working with states and territories to create a National Firearms Register.
For the decision makers and everyday Australians who visit Parliament House, these letters will serve as a reminder of the significant impact the gun reforms introduced in 1996 have had on the Australian community and highlight what can be achieved when the community comes together around an important issue and demands positive change.
Although progress has been made in strengthening our gun laws, there is still work to be done. Unfortunately, even after 28 years no state or territory government in Australia is fully compliant with the National Firearms Agreement that was first agreed to in the wake of the Port Arthur tragedy.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation has been actively engaging with policymakers, law enforcement, and community organisations to raise awareness and support for gun reforms for over 27 years.
The Foundation will remain resolute in our advocacy to ensure Australia’s gun laws remain responsible, safe and strong. We will continue to build a future where children – and all people – can live safe from gun-related violence.
Learn more about Australia’s firearm laws here and about our Advocacy work in this space here.
