It is curious how the pro-gun lobby always compare Australia to the most liberal states in the USA when it comes to gun laws.

Why don’t they compare us to Japan, where there are very few firearm-related murders.

In 2008, the US had more than 12,000 firearm-related homicides.

Japan experienced only 11.

When that number jumped to 22 in 2007, it became a national scandal.

By comparison, also in 2008, 587 Americans were killed just by guns that had discharged accidentally.

To get a gun in Japan you have to attend an all-day class and pass a written test, which is held only once a month.

You also must take, and pass, a shooting range class, then head over to a hospital for a mental test and drug test.

Finally, you must pass a rigorous background check for a criminal record or association with criminal or extremist groups.

You must provide police with documentation on the specific location of the gun in your home, as well as the ammo, both of which must be locked and stored separately.

Police inspect the gun every year and you must attend the class and pass the exam every three years.

In NSW you don’t have to do a practical test, and your honesty is relied on when filling in the paperwork on mental disorders.

Kathie Thackray

Narooma