How heartbreaking letter sparked gun reform

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The heartbreaking letters penned by a person who misplaced his household within the nation’s worst mass capturing in trendy historical past have been revealed for the primary time.

Walter Mikac’s correspondence with then-Prime Minister John Howard sparked one of many nation’s greatest gun reforms simply days after Martin Bryant’s heinous act within the sleepy Tasmanian city of Port Arthur.

Mr Mikac’s spouse Nanette and their two daughters, Alannah and Madeline, have been among the many 35 individuals murdered by Bryant on April 28, 1996.

Walter Mikac with his wife Nanette, 36, and daughters Madeline Grace. Nanette, Alannah and Madeline were all killed in the Port Arthur Massacre by Martin Bryant in 1996. — Digital camera IconWalter Mikac together with his spouse Nanette, 36, and daughters Madeline Grace. Nanette, Alannah and Madeline have been all killed within the Port Arthur Bloodbath by Martin Bryant in 1996. Credit score: Provided

Nine days after the event, Walter sent a letter to John Howard urging him to act on gun reform. — Digital camera Icon9 days after the occasion, Walter despatched a letter to John Howard urging him to behave on gun reform. Credit score: NCA NewsWire

The primary few traces his first letter learn:

“Expensive Mr Howard.

As the one that misplaced his spouse and two lovely daughters at Port Arthur, I’m writing to you to provide the power to make sure no particular person in Australia ever has to undergo such a loss”

The Nationwide Museum of Australia has acquired the letters he despatched to Mr Howard 9 days after shedding his spouse and youngsters.

Mr Howard and Mr Mikac exchanged letters following the massacre. — Digital camera IconMr Howard and Mr Mikac exchanged letters following the bloodbath. Credit score: NCA NewsWire

Mr Mikac is because of communicate at an occasion to mark this acquisition on Thursday.

It comes simply days after a gathering between the nation’s police ministers agreeing to a proposal for a brand new Nationwide Firearms Register, which can be put to the nationwide cupboard in July.

“Powerless and in deep grief, I used to be compelled to take motion,” Mr Mikac mentioned of his resolution to write down to Mr Howard.

Mr Mikac’s historical letters have now been acquired by the National Museum of Australia. Supplied — Digital camera IconMr Mikac’s historic letters have now been acquired by the Nationwide Museum of Australia. Provided Credit score: NCA NewsWire

“If our gun security was going to vary it needed to come from the highest.

“These letters reveal the ability of what one constructive resolution in a time of trauma and senselessness can obtain.”

Nationwide Museum director Dr Mathew Trinca mentioned: “We really feel a deep sense of duty that Mr Mikac has entrusted the Nationwide Museum with these letters which mirror his imaginative and prescient for a safer Australia throughout a time of unimaginable grief.”

The Port Arthur tragedy resulted in Mr Howard introducing sweeping legislative modifications to gun possession, together with a buyback and amnesty program for individuals to give up newly banned weapons.

That led to greater than 700,000 authorized and unlawful firearms being surrendered and destroyed.

Mr Mikac based the Alannah & Madeline Basis in honour of his younger daughters, aiming to guard youngsters with out being topic to types of violence.

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