Big Guns

How a cashed up gun industry has Australia's firearms laws in its sights.

"This is the gun industry lobby redux. They're back. And they're ready to spend." Gun law researcher

They're the new force in Australian politics - a lobby group funded and directed by major firearms sellers and manufacturers and they're taking aim at Australia's politicians.

"We're looking to enter a new era of engagement...We want governments to be held accountable for the decisions they make." Gun industry spokesperson

Their campaign represents a newly emboldened firearms industry set on changing Australia's gun laws.

"You've got an industry which is prepared to leap in. And they've got a lot of money." Gun law researcher

On Monday Four Corners investigates how the gun movement in Australia is reawakening and examines the new tactics they're employing to make their presence felt on the political scene.

"The campaign they were running had nothing to do with guns. The idea I think was to inspire people to move their vote to protest vote with minor parties." Campaign manager

The industry openly declares it wants to influence how governments are formed and the policies they enact.

"We were aiming for a government which couldn't be formed by majority." Gun industry spokesperson

Four Corners investigates the industry's political allegiances and how these connections are being used to chip away at gun laws around the country.

"There's been a lot of whittling away around the edges, trying to water down the effect of the law, to do anything possible to reduce the effect of the law for the convenience of shooters and the benefit of the arms industry." Gun law researcher

Some political allies say that gun ownership is not simply a matter of convenience, it's a national security issue.

"I want more firearms sold because I want more firearms, you know? I want more people involved in protecting our country." Politician

Those who delivered the national agreement to limit firearms after the Port Arthur massacre say Australians need to sit up and take notice.

"There is a muscling up by those making money out of a trade of guns into this country, and we need to watch that very closely." Gun control advocate

Big Guns, reported by Sean Nicholls and presented by Sarah Ferguson.