From 1984 to 1996 , multiple killings aroused public concern . The 1984 Milperra massacre was a major incident in a series of conflicts between various " outlaw motorcycle gangs " . In 1987 , the Hoddle Street massacre and the Queen Street massacre took place in Melbourne . In response , several states required the registration of all guns , and restricted the availability of self-loading rifles and shotguns . In the Strathfield massacre in New South Wales , 1991 , two were killed with a knife , and five more with a firearm . Tasmania passed a law in 1991 for firearm purchasers to obtain a licence , though enforcement was light . Firearm laws in Tasmania and Queensland remained relatively relaxed for longarms
Queen Street massacre
Queen Street massacre
Gun law of Australia