22 JUL 1996

PRIME MINISTER
CANBERRA

Mr Walter Mikac

Dear Mr Mikac Walter,

Thank you for your letter of 17 July 1996 about the Police Ministers' meeting. You have a special right to put your views to political leaders and it was quite appropriate that I received and read your letter while negotiating with the Police Ministers.

You will by now know the result of that meeting and the strong stand that the Commonwealth took. We continue to seek total implementation of the gun control measures agreed by Police Ministers on 10 May, and remain hopeful that the one outstanding matter can be resolved with the three jurisdictions concerned.

There is no doubt in my mind that the great majority of Australians want uniform, tough and effective gun controls and I am committed to achieving this through co-operative negotiation with State and Territory colleagues.

Thank you for speaking out so passionately on behalf of all Australians – the pain with which you write is readily apparent. The depth of your own personal tragedy is a powerful symbol to those of us exercising political leadership of the importance of this issue.

We will continue to seek to ensure that the permanent legacy of the events you experienced will be a safer Australia.

Yours sincerely

John Howard

PS I have just received the news that QLD, WA & the NT have agreed on the gun laws. I know you will be pleased.