‘Port Arthur massacre changed Australia forever’: Tasman Mayor

Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding has reflected on “the life changing moment” 25 years ago when the Port Arthur massacre occurred carving out a pathway for then Prime Minister John Howard to overhaul the nation’s firearm laws. There were 35 people killed and 22 injured in what was the worst mass shooting by a single person on record at the time. Mr Spaulding was present at the event with his mother and talked with Sky News about his experience and how the event had changed the community. He said it was important to remember the lives which “were lost and were taken unfairly” and also those people still living with scars from the incident. “What unfolded after the massacre changed Australia forever and how people feel and deal with things." he said.