For many of us, any discussion of gun control in this country turns our thoughts to the Port Arthur massacre, that nightmare day 20 years ago when 35 people were murdered by a madman with a rifle. Out of that tragedy came then prime minister John Howard's gun laws, and those powerful changes have unquestionably made this country safer.

Reports this week that the Turnbull government may have been considering relaxing gun laws in return for Senate support for its industrial legislation are of grave concern.

There is overwhelming evidence of the need to restrict guns in our communities.

Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm is leading the call to allow the rapid-fire Adler shotgun to be imported into Australia, and has recently gained support from Nationals MPs Mark Coulton and Bridget McKenzie.

While Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has, albeit belatedly, said the ban on the Adler will remain and that his government wants to see firearms laws made stronger, not weaker, his actions have been far from definitive and do not show the leadership demanded on such a profoundly important national issue.