The New South Wales government is pushing through a significant package of legislative reforms, tightening gun ownership rules and granting police new powers to restrict protests. The emergency legislation was introduced in direct response to the recent Bondi Junction mass shooting and is being debated under an accelerated parliamentary timetable.
Key Provisions of the Firearms Crackdown
The proposed gun law changes represent the most substantial tightening of firearm regulations in the state in years. The central reform introduces a limit of four guns per individual licence holder. An exception is made for professional shooters, who will be permitted to own up to ten firearms.
Other major elements include a requirement for licences to be renewed every two years, a ban on belt-fed magazines, and an extension of the rule requiring most licence categories to be members of a shooting club. The government states this last measure aims to extend informal supervision over gun owners across NSW.
Controversial New Protest Powers
Alongside the firearm reforms, the bill grants sweeping new authority to the NSW Police Commissioner regarding public protests. The Commissioner, with the minister's concurrence, will have the power to ban protests for up to three months following a declared terrorist attack. This ban can apply to a specific area or the entire state.
Police will also receive new powers to order the removal of face coverings at protests. Furthermore, the legislation creates new offences for using certain phrases deemed to incite violence or hatred. Premier Chris Minns has indicated the phrase "globalise the intifada" will be specifically prohibited under the new laws.
Political Division and Criticism
The legislation has exposed clear fractures within the political landscape. While the NSW Liberal Party has agreed to support the bill, ensuring its passage through the lower house, the Coalition partner, the NSW Nationals, will oppose it. Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh criticised the gun reforms as imposing "arbitrary limits" that would negatively impact farmers and regional businesses, arguing they would not have prevented the Bondi attack.
From the opposite flank, the Greens have launched a fierce critique of the protest measures. Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson labelled them "the most draconian, authoritarian anti-protest laws this country has ever seen" and suggested they were likely unconstitutional. The Greens plan to move amendments in the upper house.
Even supporting voices have expressed concern. NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman confirmed his party's support but noted "serious reservations" about the government's rushed process and lack of consultation with stakeholders and the opposition.
Parliamentary Context and Next Steps
The NSW parliament reconvened specially on Monday and Tuesday to debate the urgent legislation. Opening the session, Premier Minns moved a motion of condolence for the attack's victims and told MPs, "We must make these changes." He directly addressed the Jewish community, affirming, "this is your home... and we must do everything we possibly can to ensure that you are safe."
The bill is expected to pass the lower house on Monday afternoon and move to the upper house for debate on Tuesday, where further amendments and scrutiny are anticipated.
