The Australian government has moved swiftly to enact sweeping new legislation targeting gun control and hate crimes, following the devastating mass shooting at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration in December.
Parliament Recalled for Emergency Reforms
In a special two-day session this week, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to approve a package of reforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled parliament early from its summer break to debate the measures, which were a direct response to the attack that shocked the nation. The legislation passed by a vote of 96 to 45 and now proceeds to the Senate, where it is expected to pass despite some opposition.
The proposed gun control measures are the most significant in decades. They include:
- A national firearm buyback scheme, the largest since the programme initiated after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
- Tighter background checks for firearms licences, which will utilise intelligence from Australia's domestic spy agency.
- New state-level restrictions in New South Wales, limiting individuals to owning a maximum of four firearms.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke framed the reforms as targeting individuals with "hate in their hearts and guns in their hands," citing an "unsustainable" number of firearms in circulation. Official data released just days before the vote showed a record 4.1 million registered guns in Australia in 2025, with 1.1 million in New South Wales alone.
Details of the Attack and Legislative Response
The legislative push follows the 14 December shooting that killed 15 people. Police allege the attackers, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, were inspired by the Islamic State militant group. They are said to have thrown homemade bombs that failed to detonate. Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 offences including 15 counts of murder, while his 50-year-old father was shot dead by police.
Alongside the gun reforms, a second bill received overwhelming support to increase penalties for hate crimes. Key provisions include:
- Jail terms of up to 12 years for hate crimes involving a religious official or preacher.
- New powers to ban certain groups and cancel or refuse visas for those spreading hate.
The government was forced to split the original bill, dropping provisions for a specific offence of racial vilification after opposition backlash.
National Inquiry and Mourning Announced
Prime Minister Albanese has also announced a national inquiry into antisemitism in Australia, with a specific focus on the Bondi attack. This move came after criticism from Jewish community groups and the Israeli government regarding the response to rising antisemitic attacks.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister confirmed that a national day of mourning for the victims will be held on 22 January 2026. The combined legislative and symbolic actions represent the government's comprehensive effort to address the security and social divisions highlighted by the tragedy.
