The New South Wales Parliament will be urgently reconvened on December 22 and 23 as the Minns government moves swiftly to tighten firearm legislation in response to the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack.
Urgent Legislative Response to Tragedy
Premier Chris Minns confirmed the emergency recall, stating the proposed changes are critical to keep the community safe. The government aims to pass the bill before the Christmas break.
The new legislation will introduce several key measures. It will cap the total number of firearms, reclassify straight-pull shotguns, and implement a ban on belt-fed magazines. A significant change will see the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) removed as an appeal avenue for revoked gun licences.
"At the moment, NSW Police routinely yank licences from holders they suspect are a threat, but those appeals are heard in NCAT and often overturned," Minns explained. "We'll extinguish that appeal pathway."
Protest Powers and Community Calm
Alongside firearm reforms, the government is considering new laws to restrict protests during officially declared terrorism incidents. Under the proposed reforms, the Police Commissioner would gain the power to reject protest applications if they risk diverting essential police resources or escalating community tensions.
Minns stressed these restrictions would apply universally during such designations and not target any specific group. "There are opportunities to come together," he said. "But slogans or marches must not tip into hate speech and exacerbate an already difficult environment."
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon echoed calls for unity, urging the community to avoid retribution. "This is a time for calm, a time for respect, and a time for peace. The last thing we need in the community at the moment is division," Commissioner Lanyon stated.
Attack Details and Ongoing Investigation
The legislative push follows the attack on Sunday night at Bondi Beach, where Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire from a footbridge. Fifteen people attending a Hanukkah celebration were killed.
Commissioner Lanyon announced the crime scene would remain closed longer than anticipated to allow for a thorough investigation and a respectful Jewish religious process, known as Zakar, to take place. Families of the victims will be offered a private visit to the site.
Regarding the alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, who recently awoke from a coma, Lanyon said charges would be laid once his medical condition is appropriate. "We need to make sure that he's able to understand exactly what's happening," he noted.
At a federal level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not yet confirmed if he will recall Parliament, despite calls from the Coalition to do so.
