Australia, known for its strict gun control regime established after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre—which killed 35 people and led to a national ban on semi-automatic weapons and a massive buyback program—has further strengthened its laws following a rare mass shooting.
On December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, two gunmen inspired by Islamic State ideology opened fire on a crowd of about 1,000 people. Father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police, while his son Naveed Akram, 24, faces multiple charges including murder and terrorism. The attack killed 15 people, including children, and injured dozens, marking Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades
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The Bondi Beach Terror Attack
The assault targeted the Jewish community on the first night of Hanukkah, shocking a nation where such violence is uncommon due to post-Port Arthur reforms. Police allege the pair threw improvised explosives (which failed to detonate), conducted reconnaissance, and used legally owned firearms. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in existing laws, prompting swift bipartisan action despite Australia’s already stringent controls compared to many countries.
New Reforms in New South Wales
In response, New South Wales—the country’s most populous state—rushed through the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill in an emergency parliamentary session, passing it on December 24, 2025.
Key changes include capping individual gun licenses at four firearms (10 for farmers), mandating gun club membership, banning public displays of symbols from groups like Islamic State, Hamas, or Hezbollah (with penalties up to two years in jail), and granting police powers to restrict protests for up to three months post-terror incident.
Premier Chris Minns called them the “toughest gun laws in Australia,” aiming to enhance safety amid rising concerns over antisemitism. Critics, including activist groups, label the protest curbs “draconian” and plan legal challenges, arguing they suppress dissent.
Federal leaders have also pledged national hate speech crackdowns and further gun measures. These reforms underscore Australia’s proactive stance on public safety, building on its 1996 legacy.