NSW Parliament Recalled After Bondi Beach Shooting to Debate Stricter Gun Laws and Protest Limits

Australia’s New South Wales state parliament was recalled on Monday for an urgent two-day session to debate proposed new laws that would significantly tighten firearm ownership, ban the public display of terror symbols, and impose stricter controls on protests. The move follows a devastating mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15 people and injured dozens more, shocking the nation and reigniting debates over gun control and antisemitism.

The proposed firearm legislation would cap the number of guns an individual can own at four, or up to 10 for specific groups such as farmers. Currently, there is no numerical limit on firearm ownership in New South Wales provided the owner can justify their need to police. According to Australian Broadcasting Corp data citing police figures, more than 50 people in the state own over 100 firearms each. One of the alleged gunmen involved in the Bondi attack, Sajid Akram, owned six firearms and was shot dead by police. His son, Naveed Akram, has since been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism.

In addition to gun restrictions, the proposed laws would expand police powers to remove face coverings during protests and rallies. The state government has also pledged to ban chants such as “globalise the intifada,” arguing they incite violence and fuel community tensions. These measures come amid growing concern over rising antisemitism across Australia.

Jewish community leaders have called for a royal commission to investigate the Bondi Beach attack, a demand backed by opposition Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley. She has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review the scope of such an inquiry. Albanese has faced mounting criticism, including being booed at a recent Bondi memorial, as public frustration grows over the government’s response to antisemitic incidents.

A recent Sydney Morning Herald poll shows Albanese’s approval rating has dropped sharply, reflecting the political impact of the tragedy. Meanwhile, authorities have begun clearing tributes left at Bondi Beach, which will be preserved for historical display, as the community continues to mourn and calls for tougher gun laws intensify.