Key Takeaways
- New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has supported calls for a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people.
- The attack has led to the introduction of urgent firearm and hate-speech reforms, including legislation to give authorities greater powers to remove face coverings and outlaw terrorist symbols.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the Commonwealth would support whatever actions the New South Wales government deems necessary in response to the attack.
- The proposed laws would be subject to a committee investigation to ensure any changes are constitutional, and would include reforms to prevent most firearm owners from holding more than four guns.
- The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities continuing to review evidence and conduct search warrants.
Introduction to the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
The Bondi Beach terror attack, which occurred on December 14, has had a profound impact on the community, resulting in the loss of 15 innocent lives. The attack was carried out by gunman Sajid Akram, who was wounded and died at the scene, while his son Naveed Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder. The incident has led to widespread calls for a royal commission to be held into the attack, with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announcing his support for such a commission.
The Need for a Royal Commission
Premier Minns has stated that a royal commission is necessary to determine how the event was able to occur, and to ensure that it does not happen again. He believes that until a full and accurate picture of the events surrounding the attack is obtained, he will not be able to provide answers to the people of New South Wales. The premier’s call for a royal commission has been supported by many, who believe that it is necessary to get to the bottom of the attack and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The Commonwealth’s Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the Commonwealth would support whatever actions the New South Wales government deems necessary in response to the attack. The prime minister has also announced new measures to eliminate the scourge of antisemitism, to stop hate preachers, and to get guns off the streets. The National Security Committee has met seven times since the attack, and safety and other support measures continue to be rolled out in response to the incident.
Legislative Reforms
In response to the attack, the New South Wales government has introduced legislation to give authorities greater powers to remove face coverings during public assemblies and to outlaw terrorist symbols such as Islamic State flags. The legislation would also reclassify straight-pull, pump-action, and button, lever release firearms to limit their access primarily to primary producers. Additionally, gun club membership would be mandatory for all firearms license holders, and Australian citizenship would be made a requirement for obtaining a license, with the exception of New Zealand permanent residents engaged in primary production or security roles.
The Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities continuing to review evidence and conduct search warrants. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has stated that the location of the search warrants will not be made public, but reassured Australians that the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in the investigation. Naveed Akram, the son of the gunman, remains in police custody in a NSW hospital, facing 59 charges related to the attack.
Conclusion
The Bondi Beach terror attack has had a profound impact on the community, and has led to widespread calls for a royal commission to be held into the attack. The New South Wales government has introduced legislation to give authorities greater powers to remove face coverings and to outlaw terrorist symbols, and has announced reforms to prevent most firearm owners from holding more than four guns. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and it is likely that the community will continue to feel the effects of the attack for a long time to come.
