SYDNEY: In response to a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia’s New South Wales state parliament was brought back on Monday to vote on proposed new legislation that would severely restrict access to firearms, forbid the exhibition of terror symbols, and limit protests.
The weapons law, which would limit the amount of firearms an individual can possess to four, or up to ten for specific categories, such farmers, was called before the state parliament for two days starting on Monday.
According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that cited police data, there is now no restriction on the ownership of firearms as long as the owner can justify it to the authorities. Over 50 individuals in the state possess over 100 firearms. Police shot and killed 50-year-old Sajid Akram, one of the alleged Bondi gunmen, who had six firearms. Police have charged Naveed Akram, his 24-year-old son, with 59 charges, including terrorism and murder.
On December 14, a mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach resulted in fifteen fatalities and numerous injuries. The nation has been outraged by the attack, which has prompted calls for stricter gun control legislation and more measures to combat antisemitism.
Additionally, during demonstrations or rallies, the proposed legislation would grant police additional authority to remove face coverings. The state government has promised to outlaw the chant “globalize the intifada,” claiming that it incites violence inside the community.
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