New South Wales Moves to Tighten Gun Laws After Bondi Terror Attack

New South Wales is set to introduce tougher gun control and security laws following the fatal attack at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach earlier this month. The state government said the legislation is aimed at closing gaps in firearm regulation and strengthening police powers to respond to terrorism-related threats.

The proposed measures were introduced during an emergency parliamentary sitting and passed by the lower house late on Monday. The bill is expected to clear the upper house this week with bipartisan support from both the Labor government and the opposition Liberal Party.

Under the new framework, most individual firearm licence holders would be limited to owning a maximum of four guns. Farmers and primary producers would be permitted to own up to 10 firearms, reflecting occupational requirements. Police would also gain expanded authority to restrict protests or public gatherings in situations assessed as posing a security risk following a terrorist incident.

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The legislative push follows the December 14 attack in which 15 people were killed and several others injured. Police said the alleged attacker, who was shot dead at the scene, legally owned six firearms. His adult son has since been charged with multiple offences, including murder and terrorism-related crimes.

The Bondi attack has renewed national scrutiny of gun ownership rules despite Australia’s long-standing reputation for strict firearm laws. Following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, Australia implemented sweeping national reforms that sharply reduced gun violence. However, recent data from New South Wales police indicated that more than 70 licensed gun owners in the state each possessed over 100 firearms, raising concerns about oversight and enforcement.

Public support for further restrictions remains high. Opinion polling conducted after the Bondi attack showed that nearly three-quarters of Australians favour stronger gun laws, particularly limits on the number of weapons held by individuals.

At the federal level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the government will work with states to strengthen firearm regulation, including considering a national gun buyback scheme and commissioning an independent review of intelligence-sharing mechanisms. However, he has ruled out establishing a full royal commission into the attack.

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The NSW government said the legislation balances public safety with legitimate firearm use, while responding directly to risks highlighted by the Bondi incident.