URGENT UPDATE: New gun reforms are poised to pass in Australia as the government responds to the recent Bondi terror attack. Just announced, these reforms aim to enhance public safety by tightening gun ownership laws and initiating a national gun buyback program.
The Bondi attack, involving gunman Sajid Akram, who legally owned six firearms, has sparked immediate action. Questions are intensifying about how Akram, whose son Naveed Akram was on an ASIO watchlist, was able to acquire so many weapons. Australia is currently facing a staggering 4.1 million firearms in civilian hands, according to the Department of Home Affairs.
Key components of the new legislation include strengthening background checks by integrating assessments from ASIO and ACIC, restricting non-citizens from importing firearms, and tightening importation rules for certain gun types. Additionally, new offences will be introduced for sharing online instructions related to weapon modification.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for these reforms, stating, “Australians are rightly proud of our gun laws… but the terrible events at Bondi show we need to get more guns off our streets.” Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke questioned how many firearms the Bondi attackers could have had if these reforms were already in effect, asserting, “The answer is zero.”
However, not all voices agree on the effectiveness of these measures. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Andrew Wallace criticized the legislation as “poorly constructed” and “unlikely to achieve their stated objectives.” Nationals Leader David Littleproud called it a “cheap political diversion” from the real issue of radical extremism.
In contrast, Independent MP Helen Haines stressed that these reforms aim to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing firearms, while Greens Senator David Shoebridge expressed willingness to collaborate with the government to enhance community safety.
As the bill is set to pass the Senate, anticipated support from the Greens is expected to solidify these reforms into law. However, significant questions remain regarding the implementation of the national gun buyback program. The Queensland LNP government has already declined to participate, and both the Northern Territory and Tasmania have indicated they will not provide funding.
This urgent situation underscores the pressing need for effective gun control in Australia as officials strive to prevent future tragedies. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
