Doctors want real-time national firearms register

The Australian Medical Association expressed its desire for a real-time national gun ownership register. Amid the heated politics of Australia's gun laws, doctors believe ownership restrictions have to be tightened.

The health lobby group issued a position statement on Tuesday. The statement indicates that a tightened restriction will prevent adapted guns or new models being allowed into Australia.

“Access to dangerous weapons remained a serious public health concern,” the AMA said. The health groups cited a patchwork approach to firearm regulation among the states and territories after the landmark Howard government gun laws were introduced in 1996.

AMA president Michael Gannon noted that there were six million guns held illegally in Australia.

"There is a legitimate role for guns in agriculture, regulated sport, and for the military and police, but gun possession in the broader community is a risk to public health," he said.

Gannon further stated that tightened restrictions on gun access can reduce the risk of impulsive purchase, as well as intentional acts of violence, which includes suicide.

Pro-gun libertarian and NSW Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm reacted to AMA’s statement, saying the organisation was not qualified to debate gun ownership. Sydney Morning Herald mentioned that Leyonhjelm is accusing the doctors of and poor research in the position paper.

"It falls into the category of what the difference is between God and a doctor," Senator Leyonhjelm said.

Leyonhjelm questioned how existing laws would be tightened. He said “impulsive purchases of guns were already impossible in Australia.” This is due to the fact that gun importation and sales are strictly controlled.

"The AMA should stick to what they're good at and stay out of areas where they're not competent,” he said.

In December, state and territory leaders placed the restrictive D classification on seven-shot Adler shotgun. The move restricted ownership of the gun to only professional shooters with an occupational need for the gun.