Former Prime Minister John Howard recounts what it took to reform Australia's gun laws.

20 years ago, a gunman armed with two semi automatic weapons massacred 35 people in Port Arthur, Tasmania.

23 people were wounded.

Newly-elected Prime Minister John Howard acted speedily to get semi-automatic weapons off the streets.

Law-abiding gun owners felt demonised, and many of John Howard's own supporters were shocked and angered.

Some of them paid a very high price politically.

Two decades later, gun law reform is seen as a defining moment in Australia's history.

John Howard regards it as one of his most important achievements as prime minister.

Further information and listening

John Howard recounts being in Washington on September 11, 2001.

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