SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 20: Chris Minns, the New South Wales Premier, addresses the media during a press conference outside the New South Wales Parliament on December 20, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Life slowly returned to normal at Bondi Beach, with people from all walks of life still paying respects and tributes as funerals for the victims continued across the city. Police say at least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident. The government is moving to tighten gun laws across the country. (Photo by George Chan/Getty Images)
New South Wales (NSW) has enacted some of the strictest gun laws in Australia following the recent Bondi attack. The state parliament expedited the passage of the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 during a late-night session, concluding with a vote of 18 to 8 around 3 a.m. on December 24, 2025. The reforms mark a significant shift in firearm regulation within the state, reflecting heightened concerns over public safety.
The legislative push was spearheaded by the Labor Party, which garnered support from the Liberal Party, allowing for a decisive majority in favor of the bill. Notably, the National Party and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party opposed the legislation, while the Green Party opted to abstain from voting. This bipartisan support from Labor and Liberal underscores a collective response to the pressing issue of gun violence in the state.
Key Provisions of the New Laws
Among the most critical changes introduced by the new laws is a last-minute amendment proposed by the Green Party. This amendment prohibits gun ownership for individuals under investigation for terrorism-related offenses, along with members of their households. This provision aims to enhance the state’s ability to mitigate risks associated with gun access by individuals with potential ties to extremist activities.
The urgency of these reforms was underscored by the recent Bondi incident, which has prompted widespread public concern and calls for action. The new legislation seeks to prevent similar occurrences in the future by tightening regulations surrounding firearm possession and ownership.
In addition to the ban on gun ownership for those investigated for terrorism, the legislation includes various measures aimed at improving accountability and oversight within the gun licensing system. These changes are expected to strengthen the framework for monitoring firearm users and enhancing public safety.
Reactions to the Legislation
The swift passage of the bill has elicited a range of responses from various stakeholders. Supporters of the legislation argue that the new laws are necessary to protect communities from the threat of gun violence. They contend that the reforms represent a critical step in safeguarding public safety and restoring community trust in the government’s ability to manage firearm access.
Conversely, opponents of the legislation, particularly from the National Party and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, have raised concerns about potential overreach and the impact on law-abiding gun owners. They argue that the reforms may not effectively address the root causes of gun violence and could disproportionately affect responsible firearm users.
As the new laws take effect immediately, the government has committed to ongoing evaluation of their impact and effectiveness. Lawmakers have stated that they will monitor the implementation of the legislation closely and remain open to further amendments as necessary.
The passage of the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 marks a pivotal moment in New South Wales’ approach to gun control, reflecting both a response to recent events and a broader commitment to enhancing community safety.
