NSW Parliament Recalls for Fast-Track Gun and Protest Law Reforms After Bondi Shooting
In response to the Bondi shooting, where 15 people were killed by gunman Sajid Akram who possessed six registered firearms, the New South Wales (NSW) parliament has been recalled to rapidly enact new gun control and protest laws.
The gun reforms will cap firearm ownership at four guns per licence, with allowances for up to ten for farmers and sport shooters. Licences will now need renewal every two years. There will also be a review of firearm types, continuing a similar initiative recent in Western Australia.
New protest-related powers include the ability to restrict demonstrations at places of worship, introduce harsher penalties, and allow police to remove face coverings from individuals suspected of offences. Additionally, a ban on the phrase 'globalise the intifada' as a chant at protests has been introduced.
NSW Premier Chris Minns stated that these changes are necessary to keep the community safe, though there are concerns from various voices. Mark Banasiak, representing the gun lobby, criticized the laws saying they unfairly punish law-abiding owners. Civil liberties advocate Timothy Roberts expressed that the reforms undermine democracy and the right to assemble.
Supporters of the laws include Walter Mikac, who welcomed the closing of critical gaps in gun legislation. David Ossip of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies supports banning chants like 'intifada' and expanding police powers. Meanwhile, the Palestine Action Group labeled the laws draconian. The government also aims to strengthen its crackdown on hate speech and symbols as part of these reforms.
