Half the problem with so-called "assault" weapons is the name. You guys are talking about using them for the exact opposite purpose- "defense".

In Australia, firearms are very rarely needed for defence in the home. I can't quote the home-invasion statistics for either country, but they don't really matter. The point is that most American gun-owners believe they need a gun in the home to defend themselves against home-invading felons, most Australians do not.

Not being allowed to own a firearm for the specific purpose of self-defence in Australia might be seen by an American to be a loss of personal freedom, whereas an Australian might suggest that needing a firearm for self defence in the home is symptomatic of a far greater loss of freedom.