John Howard reflects on Port Arthur massacre 30 years on

In this reflective episode of Radio National Breakfast, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard revisits the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, the deadliest mass shooting in modern Australian history. Howard recounts his immediate response to the tragedy, including his decision to visit Tasmania and lead a bipartisan effort to enact sweeping gun reforms. He details the political challenges of securing cooperation from state governments and the National Party, emphasizing the critical role of leaders like Tim Fisher and Rob Borghetti in overcoming regional resistance. Howard defends his controversial decision to wear a bulletproof vest at a public rally, framing it as a necessary precaution based on security advice, though he admits he felt uneasy about it. He reflects on the long-term impact of the National Firearms Agreement, asserting its effectiveness in reducing gun violence and expressing concern that current governments may be distracted from more urgent issues like anti-Semitism. The episode underscores Howard’s belief in the necessity of bold leadership in times of national crisis.