Australia’s most populous state has passed far-reaching new gun control and anti-protest legislation following the deadly Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15 people and wounded dozens during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on December 14.
The measures were approved after an emergency parliamentary sitting, reflecting heightened political urgency and deep public concern over security, extremism, and hate speech.
The New South Wales parliament passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill after the upper house approved it by 18 votes to eight, following earlier passage in the lower house with bipartisan support from the governing Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party.
The National Party opposed the gun reforms, arguing that new ownership caps would unfairly impact farmers.
Under the new rules, individual firearm licences will be capped at four guns, while farmers will be allowed to own up to ten.
Gun club membership will now be mandatory for all licensed gun owners.
Public display of symbols or flags linked to prohibited militant organisations amount to penalties of up to two years in jail or fines of A$22,000.
Police have also been granted authority to impose restrictions on public protests for up to three months following a declared terror attack.
Premier Chris Minns said the reforms were necessary despite expected opposition, stating, “Sydney and New South Wales has changed forever as a result of that terrorist activity.”
The legislation has drawn strong criticism from activist groups, who argue the laws restrict free expression and protest rights.
Palestinian, Jewish, and Indigenous organisations have announced plans to mount a constitutional challenge, describing the measures as rushed and excessive.
The groups said the government was using the Bondi attack to justify broader limits on political dissent.
Police have said the alleged attackers were inspired by Islamic State, with one suspect killed by police and another charged with multiple offences, including terrorism and murder.
At the federal level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged tougher action on hate speech, including new legislation to improve prosecutions and visa cancellations, as well as proposing a national gun buyback plan.