Sydney: The New South Wales parliament reconvened on Monday to push through stricter gun laws following the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach earlier this month. The move comes amid growing public pressure for stronger action on firearms and extremist violence.
The emergency session was called after new details emerged about the attack, which left 15 people dead during a Hanukkah gathering. Police told a court that the attackers had also thrown homemade explosive devices before the shooting, but the bombs failed to detonate. One of the suspects was killed at the scene, while the other remains in custody facing serious terrorism related charges.
The state government said the proposed laws are aimed at closing gaps in firearm regulation and preventing future attacks. Key measures include limits on the number of guns an individual can own, stricter checks on gun licence holders, and expanded powers for police to cancel licences and seize weapons if they believe there is a public safety risk.
The legislation also includes provisions linked to public safety after terror incidents. These would allow authorities to restrict certain protests for a limited period and give police more power to act against symbols and behaviour linked to extremist violence.
Premier Chris Minns said the recall of parliament reflected the seriousness of the situation and the need to act quickly. He said the community expected firm steps to reduce the risk of similar attacks and to ensure police had the tools they needed to respond.
At the national level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack had shaken the country and renewed concerns about hate driven violence. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to working with states to strengthen gun controls and counter extremism.
While there is broad support for tougher gun laws, the proposals have sparked debate. Some rural lawmakers and gun owners have raised concerns about how the limits could affect farmers and sport shooters who legally own firearms. Civil liberties groups have also warned that restrictions on protests must be carefully balanced with democratic rights.
Australia is known for its strict gun laws, introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which sharply reduced gun violence. However, recent events have highlighted ongoing challenges, including rising gun ownership and the risk of radicalisation.
The NSW government expects the legislation to pass quickly, signalling one of the most significant tightening of gun laws in the state in years as authorities respond to one of Australia’s worst acts of mass violence in decades.