Australian state passes tougher gun and protest laws after Bondi Beach attack

Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding police powers to restrict protests.

The New South Wales parliament approved the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill early on Wednesday after the upper house passed the legislation by 18 votes to eight during an emergency sitting.

The Bondi Beach attack, Australia’s deadliest shooting in almost three decades, intensified calls for stricter gun laws and tougher action against antisemitism.

Premier Chris Minns said the reforms were aimed at protecting public safety in the wake of the 14 December attack at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, in which 15 people were killed and dozens wounded.

"Sydney and New South Wales have changed forever as a result of that terrorist activity," Minns told reporters.

The bill had earlier passed the lower house on Tuesday with support from the governing centre-left Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party.

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The rural-based National Party, the Liberals’ junior coalition partner, opposed the gun reforms, arguing that ownership caps would unfairly disadvantage farmers.

Under the new laws, firearms licences will be capped at four weapons per individual, while farmers will be allowed to own up to 10 guns. Gun club membership will become mandatory for all licence holders.

Police will also be granted expanded powers to impose restrictions on protests for up to three months following a declared terrorist incident.

The legislation outlaws the public display of flags and symbols linked to banned militant organisations, including Islamic State, Hamas and Hezbollah. Offenders face up to two years in prison or fines of up to A$22,000 (about $14,700).

Minns said concerns had been raised about chants such as "globalise the intifada", often heard at pro-Palestinian protests, arguing that language used to vilify or intimidate people must be prohibited.

Police said the two alleged attackers were inspired by the Sunni militant group Islamic State. Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism.

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