TERROR TACKLED: NSW to Introduce TOUGHEST Gun Laws in Australia as State Government Unveils Sweeping Reforms in Wake of Bondi Beach Attack
- NSW Premier Chris Minns reveals plans to restrict individual gun owners to just FOUR firearms, with exceptions for farmers and sports shooters
- Bipartisan support for Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, but Nationals vow to oppose changes
- Government to introduce stronger vetting process, reduce magazine capacity, and grant police powers to remove face coverings at public assemblies
- Buy-back scheme to be funded with $300 million from state and federal governments, with 1.1 million guns currently in circulation
In a drastic bid to tackle terror and strengthen public safety, the NSW government has unveiled sweeping reforms to gun ownership and protest activity. Premier Chris Minns announced the proposed legislation, which includes restricting individual gun owners to just four firearms, with exceptions for primary producers and sports shooters who will be limited to 10.
The reforms, which are set to be debated in parliament on Monday, come in the wake of the devastating terror attack on Bondi Beach last week. Mr Minns described the amendments as “fundamentally important to keeping the people of this state safe” and rejected suggestions that they were a “knee-jerk reaction”.
“Today we’re introducing tough new laws to protect the community, to crackdown on hate and strengthen public safety,” he said. “I’ve heard members of the public say we’ve gone too far, but I strongly believe that these changes to law and legislation in New South Wales are necessary to prevent further harm.”
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane described the bill as “rushed” but announced bipartisan support, saying she would work with the government to get the reforms passed. However, the Nationals have signalled their opposition to the changes, citing a lack of meaningful engagement and arbitrary limits on gun ownership.
Gun control researcher, [Name], welcomed the reforms, saying they would go a long way in reducing the growing number of guns across the state. “I think it’s really important that we take action in relation to guns, in relation to reducing the pressure in the community when it comes to the protests that we have seen,” he said.
The government is also planning to introduce a stronger vetting process, where gun licenses would need to be renewed every two years instead of five. Magazine capacity will also be scrutinised, with the NSW government planning to reduce Class A and B weapons to five to 10 rounds, from its current unlimited capacity.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley revealed that there are currently 1.1 million guns in circulation in the state, with $300 million to be allocated to a buy-back scheme. The premier also announced plans to ban public displays of terrorist symbols and outlaw incitement of violence.
Pro-Palestinian, civil liberties, and progressive Jewish groups have expressed support for the gun reform but slammed the ban on protests, flagging a constitutional challenge. “We reject the notion that our community will be safer by passing these draconian laws,” said Jewish Council of Australia spokesperson Naama Blatman.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of the terror attack, the government’s reforms are set to be a major step in preventing further harm. But with opposition from some quarters, it remains to be seen whether the changes will be enough to keep the community safe.