UPDATE: New South Wales (NSW) Parliament has just passed stringent gun legislation, set to take effect on Christmas Eve, following a heated debate that lasted into the early hours. The Liberal Party joined forces with the Minns Labor government to approve the controversial laws, aimed at enhancing public safety in the wake of the tragic Bondi terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 victims and one shooter.
The newly enacted laws will restrict gun ownership to a maximum of four firearms per individual, while farmers and professional shooters will still be permitted to own up to ten guns. Furthermore, weapons similar to those used in the Bondi incident—capable of firing multiple shots without reloading—will be prohibited throughout NSW. Gun licenses will now require renewal every two years, tightening regulations further.
In a significant addition, the legislation empowers the police commissioner to ban protests in NSW for up to three months following a terrorist event. This move has sparked intense debate, with the vote in the Upper House concluding with 18 votes in favor and 8 against. The Nationals and Shooters Party opposed the bill, while the Greens abstained from the vote.
Premier Chris Minns stated, “The passage of this legislation is the single best thing we can do in the short run to keep the people of New South Wales safe.” His remarks reflect the government’s urgent desire to prevent any escalation of violence following the Bondi tragedy.
The new laws have ignited fierce criticism from both conservative and progressive factions. While the Greens oppose the restrictions on protests, they support stricter gun control measures. Conversely, the Nationals and Shooters Party have condemned the limitations on firearms, arguing they infringe on individual rights.
Anticipation is building around the potential for a coalition of protest groups to challenge the legislation’s provisions regarding demonstrations through a constitutional court appeal. As this situation develops, the impact on community safety and civil liberties remains a hot topic of discussion.
Citizens and advocacy groups are urged to stay informed as the laws transition to the Legislative Assembly for final approval. The outcome of this legislative action will have significant implications for both public safety and the rights of gun owners in New South Wales.
As the clock ticks towards Christmas Eve, all eyes are on the NSW Parliament to see how these contentious laws will reshape the landscape of gun ownership and public demonstrations in the state.
