The firearm homicide rate in the United States in 1998 was 14 times the Australian rate. Official statistics reveal that 2,827 firearm-related deaths occurred during 1993-98 in Australia. Seventy-eight percent were suicides, 16 percent were homicides, 4 percent were accidents, 1 percent involved legal interventions, and 1 percent involved unknown intent. Knives and other sharp instruments were the most frequent weapons used in homicide in Australia; the next most common cause of death was assaultive force. Overall, Australia appears to be experiencing a slight declining trend in the proportion of victims killed with a firearm. Jurisdictions vary with respect to firearm homicides as a proportion of all homicides. Research by the Australian Institute of Criminology has revealed that more than 90 percent of the firearms used in homicide were not registered and their owners were not licensed. The suicide rate has been increasing, although the firearm suicide rate has begun to decline. The firearm accident rate has been declining since the early 1970’s. The Australian Institute of Criminology will soon publish a report on firearms morbidity in Australia and in each State and territory. Making firearms homicide harder to commit involves various situational crime prevention approaches. Possible strategies include reducing overall supply and availability, restricting access, controlling gun use, and technological applications to enhance safety. Needed actions include the expansion of the knowledge base, understanding of the politics of firearms advocacy and control, and improved early identification and intervention with people who are troubled and stressed. Figures and tables