NSW Premier Announces New Measures Following Bondi Beach Terror Attack
NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced a series of new security and gun-control measures in response to the Bondi beach terror attack. The government passed a bill introducing protest-ban powers, which allow for bans on protests for up to three months following a terrorist event. The decision to activate these powers will be made by Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, with a focus on rapid implementation.
In addition to protest restrictions, new gun-control laws were introduced to limit total firearms owned. These include a ban on rapid-fire guns and tightened restrictions on licence appeals. New purchases of guns are limited to four for recreational shooters and 10 for professional shooters and farmers, with these measures effective from Wednesday afternoon. A firearms buy-back scheme, modeled on the 1996 Port Arthur program, will be jointly funded by federal and state governments, with details to be announced.
The Greens proposed an amendment to restrict firearm licence eligibility to individuals without terrorism-related offences or associations; however, they abstained from supporting the final bill. The legislation was passed with support from Labor and the Liberals, while the Nationals and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers opposed it. Liberal leader Kellie Sloane criticized the process as rushed.
Premier Minns also addressed hate-speech and protest-symbols, stating that parliament will return on 3 February to consider further measures, including banning chants such as "globalise the intifada." To promote unity, Minns visited a mosque in Rockdale, emphasizing that attacks on any faith impact the entire community and highlighting the laws' role in keeping everyone safe.
Enhanced security on Sydney streets is planned over Christmas and New Year, featuring increased police presence and deployment of appropriate weapons to ensure public safety.
