NSW Premier Pushes Emergency Gun Law Reforms and Protest Law Changes Following Bondi Shooting
NSW Premier Chris Minns has called on parliament to pass emergency gun law reforms in response to the recent Bondi shooting. The lower house is expected to pass the legislation on Monday afternoon with support from the Liberal Party, while the upper house is anticipated to approve it on Tuesday.
The proposed gun reforms include a four-gun limit per person, with an allowance of ten for professional shooters, licence renewals every two years, bans on belt magazines, and extended shooting-club membership requirements for most licence categories. These measures aim to tighten firearm controls in the state.
In addition to gun reforms, the legislation introduces new protest laws granting the NSW police commissioner, with ministerial approval, the power to ban protests for up to three months after a terrorist attack. Bans may be enforced in specific areas or statewide, and new powers include removing face coverings and introducing offences related to certain phrases, including bans on the phrase "globalise the intfi."
These protest law provisions have been criticized by the Greens as draconian and potentially unconstitutional; amendments are expected to be proposed in the upper house.
The NSW Nationals oppose the reforms, citing negative impacts on farmers and rural communities. Critics, including the Greens, argue that the changes are overly broad and target essential activities. NSW Farmers and shooting bodies have also voiced opposition or concerns regarding the reforms.
While the Liberal Party signals support for the bill, they have expressed reservations about rushing the legislation and stress the importance of stakeholder engagement. The shadow attorney general anticipates potential amendments.
Overall, opposition and crossbench members have serious reservations about the implementation and impact of the proposed reforms.
