There are moments in every prime minister’s life where they face real tests. How they respond in those moments indelibly shapes their government’s future, and their legacy as either a true leader or a partisan plodder.

For John Howard, the test came just a few weeks into his first term of government, following the Port Arthur massacre.

Anthony Albanese could remember John Howard’s political courage in 1996.Credit: Artwork: Marija Ercegovac

Taking on the gun lobby in 1996, Howard risked his own life when facing down angry rural crowds who were against the legislation, and stared down those within his party who said such a move would split the Coalition and divide the party’s base. But Howard held firm on what he believed was right for the country.

Far from dividing the party, he went on to lead for 11 years, serving three terms as prime minister. And one reason why Australia today is not awash with gun violence today is because of that strength.

Almost three decades later, Anthony Albanese is now facing a test of his own with the gambling industry. A parliamentary inquiry commissioned by the prime minister and led by the late MP Peta Murphy has offered a clear solution to the growing national crisis that is gambling addiction. An extraordinarily broad coalition supports that........

© The Age