The handgun shooting at Monash University in Clayton reminds us of how little our Victorian political leaders will stand up to the handgun lobby, says Gun Control Australia.

“For years We have been asking the Bracks government to strengthen our gun laws in various ways ? in particular we have been asking them to place more restrictions on handguns so they do not get into the wrong hands” said Randy Marshall, GCA spokesperson.

“The handgun problem in and around Sydney has become very serious in recent years and we have warned our politicians of that fact and asked them to increase controls, so that Melbourne does not follow suit” said Mr Marshall.

“The Bracks government and the Opposition Parties have shown no concerns with the gun problem”. It is something that could well come back and bite them” said Mr Marshall.

“For years we have asked the Liberal? National Coalition and the Bracks ALP government to strengthen the laws relating to handguns by making them harder to steal and making them of no use if they are stolen” said Mr Marshall. ” Unfortunately Mr Bracks and as yet Mr Doyle have shown no willingness to oppose the handgun lobby and protect the public safety” said Mr Marshall

Gun Control Australia has also lobbied the Bracks government to take the safety training of shooters as a serious matter, but the Victorian government has refused despite the fact that 99.9 % of applicants actually pass the safety test’ said Mr Marshall. If only one in a thousand fail, can it be a serious qualification?” asks Mr Marshall.