A new YouGov public data poll finds near-universal support (92%) for stronger gun laws in Australia following the Bondi attack, with 44% of Australians supporting a complete ban on the types of weapons used and 48% favouring tighter licensing rules. Only 8% believe no change should be made to existing gun laws.

The poll was conducted between December 15 and 22, following the Bondi attack, during which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback, and NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the NSW Parliament would be recalled tightening gun licensing laws before Christmas.

Strong, broad-based support for reform

Support for stronger gun laws cuts across political affiliation, geography, and gender:

  • Even among One Nation voters, more respondents support a ban or tighter licensing than no change
  • Female voters, Labor and Greens supporters, and outer metropolitan voters are most likely to support a complete ban
  • Only 8% of Australians overall support keeping gun laws unchanged

Paul Smith, Director of Public Data at YouGov, said, “Australians are united in their support for stronger gun control. Nearly half support making it illegal to own the types of firearms used in the Bondi attack, with support strongest among Labor, Greens, female voters and those in outer metropolitan areas. Even among typically sceptical groups, support for reform far outweighs support for no change.”

Australians support Ahmed al Ahmed for Australian of the Year

The poll also finds 81% of Australians agree that Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the Bondi attackers, deserves to be named Australian of the Year.

Support is strong across all demographics and political groups, including 77% of One Nation voters, indicating the widespread recognition of his actions.

Paul Smith added, “That more than eight in ten Australians believe Ahmed Al Ahmed deserves to be Australian of the Year, including strong support across political divides, shows the depth of respect Australians have for his courage and heroism.”

Methodology: This survey was conducted between December 15th and December 22nd with a sample of 1509. Results are weighted to be representative of the population by age, gender, education, AEC region, household income, weighting by past vote (Federal vote and Voice referendum), with an effective margin of error of 3.3%. See Australian Polling Council methodology statement for full weightings.

YouGov correctly predicted the result of the recent referendum at 40% Yes, 60% No, was the only pollster to call the result of the last Federal election as the worst result for the Coalition since the Liberal Party was formed, is a founding member of the Australian Polling Council, as well as a global leader in polling research.

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