New South Wales is preparing to introduce what could become the toughest gun laws in Australia, with legislation expected to be fast-tracked through state parliament before Christmas. The move follows last week’s terror attack at Bondi Beach, which has renewed calls for stronger public safety measures. The proposed Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is scheduled for debate on Monday and is expected to receive bipartisan support, underscoring the seriousness of the current security concerns. Despite supporting the need for reform, NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane has raised

New South Wales is preparing to introduce what could become the toughest gun laws in Australia, with legislation expected to be fast-tracked through state parliament before Christmas. The move follows last week’s terror attack at Bondi Beach, which has renewed calls for stronger public safety measures. The proposed Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is scheduled for debate on Monday and is expected to receive bipartisan support, underscoring the seriousness of the current security concerns. Despite supporting the need for reform, NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane has raised concerns about the speed at which the legislation is being advanced. She described the bill as “rushed” and urged the government to consult more closely with the opposition and key stakeholders, particularly on the details and implementation of the proposed changes. Speaking to the ABC on Monday morning, Ms Sloane said she remained committed to working constructively with the government. “I said last week that I will work in a bipartisan fashion with the government,” she said. “These are extraordinary circumstances, and they require a high level of cooperation to move this legislation forward.” The proposed laws would introduce significant restrictions on firearm ownership across New South Wales. Individual gun owners would be limited to a maximum of four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers such as farmers who rely on firearms for their work. Sports shooters would also face tighter limits, with ownership capped at 10 firearms. The legislation also proposes stricter controls on magazine capacity. Class A and B firearms, which currently have no magazine limits, would be restricted to between five and 10 rounds, depending on the firearm type. The reforms would further strengthen the firearm licensing system. Gun licences would need to be renewed every two years, compared with the current five-year renewal period. The government says this shorter renewal cycle would allow for more frequent vetting and help identify potential risks earlier, ensuring firearms remain in the hands of suitable licence holders. Beyond gun law reforms, the bill includes measures to expand police powers at public assemblies and regulate protest activity. Under the proposed changes, police would be granted broader authority to remove face coverings at public gatherings. The government says this would improve identification and help maintain public safety. The NSW government argues the legislation is necessary to respond to evolving security threats and reduce the risk of future acts of violence. Supporters say the reforms aim to strike a balance between individual rights and the need to protect the wider community. As the bill heads to parliament, debate is expected to focus on the scope of the new powers, the speed of implementation, and the long-term impact on gun owners and civil liberties.

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