In response to the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach during a Jewish festival, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has announced plans to recall parliament next week to introduce tougher gun laws. The proposed legislation aims to limit the number of firearms each license holder can possess and enhance police authority to deny gun licenses to individuals deemed a security risk.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Chris Minns emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I think a lot of Australians are asking the same question: ‘How can this person have six guns?’” The incident, which left 15 people dead, has reignited debates surrounding gun ownership regulations in Australia. Minns acknowledged that, following the Port Arthur tragedy in 1996, strict bipartisan gun laws were established but asserted that further action is necessary to ensure public safety.
The legislation being drafted will not only impose limits on gun ownership but also consider reclassifying straight shotguns and potentially banning belt-fed magazines. Sources indicate that a limit of three firearms per individual is under serious consideration, a reduction from the five-gun limit currently enforced in Western Australia.
In addition to these measures, Minns proposed changes to strengthen police powers to reject firearms licenses when there is credible intelligence suggesting that an individual may pose a threat. Presently, the law allows the police commissioner to deny applications based on “criminal intelligence,” but the premier aims to remove the ability of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to hear appeals regarding license revocations.
Minns also raised the issue of whether recreational hunting should continue to be accepted as a justification for gun ownership. “We are going to review that,” he said, adding that the best approach to handle the matter has yet to be determined. He assured the public that these initial measures are just the beginning as discussions with stakeholder groups, particularly those advocating for stricter gun control, are ongoing.
Support for Minns’ initiative has come from the Greens, who have long campaigned for more stringent gun regulations. Sue Higginson, a state Greens MP, praised the proposed reforms, stating, “Now is the time to heed the advice of experts, advocates, and survivors and rule out recreational hunting as a genuine reason to own a firearm.”
Minns’ recent shift towards stricter gun control stands in stark contrast to his previous stance. In 2025, the NSW parliament was considering a private member’s bill introduced by Robert Borsak from the Shooters Fishers and Farmers party. This bill proposed a legislative right to hunt and included provisions for hunting on public lands, the creation of a new regulatory body, and relaxed restrictions on silencers and night vision equipment. Until September 2025, Labor had largely supported the bill, which was seen as having a significant chance of passing.
However, following a major campaign by gun control advocates, Labor began to withdraw support for various elements of the bill, particularly concerning the right to hunt and the use of silencers. Even so, the party maintained its endorsement of hunting on public lands despite warnings from gun control experts about the potential dangers associated with such legislation.
At the time, Tara Moriarty, the NSW Agriculture Minister, had expressed her support for the hunting rights proposal, highlighting its cultural significance for many in the state. She stated, “Hunting is an important cultural tradition for many people across NSW,” emphasizing the need for balance between preserving traditions and maintaining community safety.
In June 2025, the NSW budget allocated $7.9 million to the newly proposed Conservation Hunting Authority, a move that raised alarms among gun control advocates concerned that it could serve as a lobbying group for gun owners and undermine existing laws aimed at curbing gun violence. These concerns intensified after a meeting with Walter Mikac, whose children were victims of the Port Arthur massacre, prompting Minns to reconsider his position on hunting rights.
Reflecting on the implications of a legislative right to hunt, Minns remarked, “You’re allowed to hunt in NSW, but whether you have a right to hunt, akin to a right to freedom of speech, I think they’re vastly different things.” He expressed apprehension that such a right could parallel the American right to bear arms, a path he firmly opposes.
The recent Bondi Beach attack has irrevocably altered the landscape of gun law reform in New South Wales, effectively sidelining Borsak’s bill. Following the incident, concerns have also been raised regarding the adequacy of police weaponry. Mal Lanyon, the NSW Police Commissioner, indicated he would consider feedback from officers regarding the need for enhanced firepower in light of the recent events.
“What happened on Sunday has changed that dynamic,” Lanyon noted, highlighting the necessity for police to reassess their operational capabilities to ensure the safety of both officers and the community. As the NSW government moves towards stricter gun regulations, the focus remains on preventing further tragedies and safeguarding public safety.
