Key Takeaways
- The Australian government is considering new gun control laws, including limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and restrictions on licensing, in response to the Bondi beach terror attack.
- Only Australian citizens would be able to hold a gun licence under the proposed laws.
- The government has pledged to "eradicate anti-semitism, hate, violence and terrorism" and fast-track the establishment of a national firearms register.
- The alleged gunmen in the Bondi attack were motivated by an "extreme perversion of Islam" and used registered weapons.
- The government has faced criticism for its handling of anti-semitism and terrorism, with some calling for tougher legislation and action.
Introduction to the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
The Bondi beach terror attack has sparked a nationwide debate on gun control and anti-semitism in Australia. The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, was the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. At least 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed and more than 40 wounded after a father and son, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on a Hanukah celebration. The alleged gunmen were motivated by an "extreme perversion of Islam" and used registered weapons.
Government Response to the Attack
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an urgent meeting of national cabinet to discuss new gun control laws. The meeting resulted in an agreement to strengthen gun laws across the country, including limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and restrictions on licensing. Only Australian citizens would be able to hold a gun licence under the proposed laws. The government has also pledged to "eradicate anti-semitism, hate, violence and terrorism" and fast-track the establishment of a national firearms register.
Background of the Alleged Gunmen
The alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, were found to have used registered weapons in the attack. The father, Sajid Akram, was not an Australian citizen, having arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998. He had travelled overseas three times since on a resident return visa. The son, Naveed Akram, was an Australian citizen and had come under the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) in 2019 due to his association with certain individuals. However, Asio found no evidence of radicalisation and deemed him not to be a threat.
Criticism of the Government’s Handling of Anti-Semitism
The government has faced criticism for its handling of anti-semitism and terrorism. The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has claimed that anti-semitism in Australia has been "left to fester" under Labor. The government’s anti-semitism envoy, Jillian Segal, has also called for tougher legislation and action to combat anti-Jewish hate. Segal’s recommendations, which were released in July, included tougher legislation on anti-semitic conduct and protest activity, as well as a plan to "monitor media organisations… to avoid accepting false or distorted narratives". The government has yet to formally respond to Segal’s recommendations.
Proposed Gun Control Laws
The proposed gun control laws would include limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and restrictions on licensing. Only Australian citizens would be able to hold a gun licence, and there would be new restrictions on "open-ended" licensing and the types of guns that are legal. The laws would also include modifications to existing gun laws, such as requiring firearm owners to renew their licenses. The premiers and chief ministers have agreed to fast-track work to establish the national firearms register, which is not due to start until 2028.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the Bondi beach terror attack has highlighted the need for tougher gun control laws and action to combat anti-semitism in Australia. The government has pledged to "eradicate anti-semitism, hate, violence and terrorism" and fast-track the establishment of a national firearms register. The proposed gun control laws would include limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and restrictions on licensing, and would only allow Australian citizens to hold a gun licence. The government must now take concrete steps to implement these laws and address the criticism it has faced for its handling of anti-semitism and terrorism.
