To the Editor: In their recent article in the Journal, Wand and colleagues suggest that the medical profession should play a more active role in the regulation of firearm licences held by older Australians.1 However, the authors underestimate the rate of firearm ownership in Australia by a factor of 1000 when they state that 3.9 per 100 000 people held a firearm license in 2001. In reality, about three-quarters of a million Australians held a firearm licence in 2001.2
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
I have given evidence in coronial proceedings into deaths that involve firearms.