The New South Wales parliament is set for an urgent recall next week to consider sweeping new gun control legislation in the wake of the Bondi Junction mass shooting. The Minns Labor government is preparing to introduce what it calls "the toughest gun laws in Australia" following the tragic attack.
Pressure to Remove Recreational Hunting as a 'Genuine Reason'
The Greens, independent MPs, and gun safety advocates are urging the government to abolish recreational hunting as a valid justification for owning a firearm. Such a move would significantly reduce the number of gun licences issued in the state but is expected to face opposition from some shooting groups.
Greens MLC Sue Higginson stated, "New South Wales has a gun problem that we must now confront. We have over 1.1 million guns in this state, more than there were prior to the Port Arthur massacre." She argued for stricter controls on ownership, limits on the number of guns per person, and drawing "a line in the sand" on recreational hunting.
Details of the Proposed Firearms Crackdown
Premier Chris Minns has indicated the proposed legislation will include several key measures. These are expected to feature:
- Limits on the number of firearms a single person can own.
- Restrictions on magazines that extend the capacity of shotguns.
- A citizenship requirement for licence holders.
- More stringent and rigorous licence renewal processes.
Currently, NSW gun licences are valid for two to five years, but the renewal process does not involve a comprehensive reassessment of a person's suitability. The government is also considering abolishing appeals to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal when police refuse a licence application.
Political Reaction and a 12-Point Safety Plan
The push for reform has been bolstered by a 12-point plan circulated by Animal Justice Party MLC Emma Hurst and independent Alex Greenwich. Their proposals go beyond hunting, including restrictions on home storage of firearms and enhanced controls for individuals flagged for domestic violence.
Stephen Bendle, convener of the Australian Gun Safety Alliance, supported the review, noting the category of recreational hunting had led to a "proliferation of guns." He argued new rules could allow legitimate pest control while improving public safety.
However, the government's rushed timeline has drawn scepticism from the opposition. Shadow attorney general Alister Henskens called for clarity, stating, "We have not yet seen any proposed legislation." Meanwhile, Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh emphasised the need to protect farmers and regional residents from any disproportionate impact, stressing the Bondi attack was a terrorist act driven by antisemitism.
The parliament will sit on Monday and Tuesday to debate the urgent bill, with the outcome poised to reshape firearm ownership in Australia's most populous state.
