Gun Laws

19 years after the banning of firearms in Australia; few would deny that we as a country are safer today because of this gun control. We have not had 1 mass shooting since the strict gun laws have been in place (which was brought in, in response to a mass shooting: the "Port Arthur Massacre"). No one could argue that they have saved hundreds if not thousands of lives because of this implementation. This is a clear representation, I believe, of how successful the law can be in protecting society; essentially what it is meant to do, and why it is the foundation upon which society is grounded upon. For that, I commend Australia for this particular law; even Obama has come out and said that the US have to be more like us and introduce tough gun laws, in response to yet another shooting in Oregon.

It is very important to recognise that we were able, as a nation, to swiftly craft laws in quickly banning these weapons and eradicate them from the market (Australian Government bought 60,000 guns swiftly after the massacre in 1996). I admire this. That we can take a stand so quickly and send out a very important message to everyone around the world. Once again, Obama recognises this swift change in laws in response to 1 attack; whilst they have had over 40 mass shootings this year alone; signifying that something needs to be done over there and enough is enough. In NSW, in particular, we have 2 laws that govern the use and purchasing firearms and guns; Firearms Act 1996 and Weapons Prohibition Act 1998. Both are entire acts that govern the use of  guns and make it an offence to be in possession, supplying or using illegal firearms. The photo above clearly shows the success of the implications of the introduction of gun laws in Australia.

This video outlines the success of our gun laws. (More Gun Laws = Fewer Gun Deaths)


I think that we, as a nation, are clear proof of the success of introducing gun laws and how it actually has shown to protect society. Nations like the US need to follow us and mirror our laws; in order to finally abolish, eradicate and prevent these mass shootings from ruining thousands and thousands of families each and every year.

Reference for Text:
http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2015/10/02/australia-did-it--obama-says-on-gun-law.html

Reference for Image:
http://images.theage.com.au/2013/01/13/3950087/353-guns-300x0.jpg

Reference for Youtube Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTZFvtp8-YQ

Voluntary Euthanasia

I firmly believe that the laws banning voluntary euthanasia in Australia (“assisted dying”) is absolutely cruel, dangerous and restricting. Fundamental to the functioning of Australian society is the principle concept of choice and respect; governing us as a nation. Terminally ill patients must have the right to choose to die on their own terms, or continue their diminishing quality of life in pain and suffering. We need to respect each individual and ultimately give them the choice to live or die, as it is their life, and is not something the law should have control over. I believe that the legality of this concept is derived from religious views and human ethics/morality from hundreds of years ago, and we need to abolish these prehistoric and outdated laws. Once again, I stress the notion, that as a society with changing views and expectations on certain topics; the law and legal system has to keep up with these changes and make amendments to fit our overall views as a nation. 

Providing these terminally ill patients with the dignity and respect they deserve, and go out on their own terms, especially if they have no prospect of recovery; is vital to this concept. Why should the law have an impact on how they live the rest of their lives? They are the one going through the constant pain and suffering, along with their families as they watch their loved ones deteriorate and break down. I am not saying that all patients in palliative care or those with no recovery prospects, should end their life, I am merely suggesting that they have the choice to do so. That is all it is. A choice. Their decision to make. We need to treat them with the utmost respect, and allow them to salvage their dignity.

It is all about giving them the OPTION. nothing more. nothing less. They deserve this. No person should have to be forced to go through this prolonged suffering and extreme discomfort. It just feels like torture. I just don’t understand how we haven’t introduced voluntary euthanasia laws (over 30 attempts in the past 15 years have all been rejected, despite 70% of the public are in favour towards the legalisation)…. It is time to make a change. Some form of legalisation needs to be introduced!

Above is an important video showcasing these ideas represented in my blog entry.

Reference for Text:

http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/crusade-to-bring-back-euthanasia/story-fnk0b1zt-1227540886380

Reference for Images:

http://jeffreyhill.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d417153ef010536a6fc70970c-pi

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Dignity_in_Dying_logo.png

Reference for Youtube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4fsrcWJRPo