Family shooting sparks new gun law reform pressure

THE horrific shooting of two teenagers by their father in Sydney has prompted calls for a review of gun laws.

Jack, 15, and Jennifer Edwards, 13, were shot dead at home by their father John Edwards on Friday, who then took his own life.

State Opposition Leader Luke Foley said the shooting murders should prompt the community to “pause and reflect” and examine what can change.

“What happened last week should cause us to examine whether there are improvements that can be made,” Mr Foley said.

He suggested people should be alerted or have a say when their partners or ex-partners apply for a gun and called for a review of laws surrounding gun clubs.

Gun Control Australia has called for new family law firearms safety checks.

Director Samantha Lee said current laws failed to protect women and children.

Checks should be compul- sory once custody proceedings were lodged in the Family Court, she said.

These should include police checking if any person involved in family court proceedings had a gun licence and if there was any concern for the safety of that person, their immediate family or the public.

Police would also notify the partner if the other party had a gun licence, made an application for a firearm licence or an application to obtain a permit to acquire a licence.

Police say Edwards had been in a custody battle with the children’s mother Olga Edwards, for two years following the breakdown of their marriage. AAP