Sydney: Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terrorism laws in the aftermath of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning public display of terrorist symbols and granting police expanded powers to restrict protests.
The terrorism and other legislation amendment bill was passed early Wednesday morning after the NSW upper house approved it by 18 votes to eight. The bill had already cleared the lower house on Tuesday with support from the ruling centre-left Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party.
The rural-based National Party, a junior coalition partner of the Liberals, opposed the gun reforms, arguing that firearm caps would unfairly impact farmers and regional communities.
Triggered by Australia’s deadliest shooting in decades
The legislation follows the December 14 mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed and dozens injured. The attack was Australia’s deadliest gun massacre in nearly 30 years and sparked renewed calls for stricter gun laws and stronger action against antisemitism.
Police say the two alleged gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State militant group. One suspect, Sajid Akram (50), was shot dead by police, while his son Naveed Akram (24) has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related charges.
What the new laws include
Under the new legislation:
- Most individual gun licence holders will be limited to four firearms
- Farmers will be allowed up to 10 guns
- Police can restrict public protests for up to three months following a declared terror attack
- Public display of symbols linked to banned terrorist organisations will be prohibited
- The chant “Globalise the intifada”, commonly heard at pro-Palestine protests, will be banned after the government argued it promotes violence
Legal challenges and civil liberties concerns
Activist groups have strongly criticised the laws and signalled plans for a constitutional challenge.
In a joint statement, the Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation, and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus said they would challenge what they described as “draconian anti-protest laws” rushed through parliament.
“It is clear that the state government is exploiting the horrific Bondi attack to suppress political dissent, criticism of Israel and democratic freedoms,” the groups said.
Federal government signals tougher stance on hate speech
At the federal level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged a crackdown on hate speech, with plans to introduce legislation that would:
- Make it easier to prosecute individuals promoting hatred or violence
- Allow authorities to cancel or deny visas to people involved in hate speech
Facing criticism over rising antisemitism, Albanese said he spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday and invited him to make an official visit to Australia in the near future.