In a decisive move to address escalating violence and community unrest, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of a national gun buyback scheme. This announcement follows a recent shooting incident in Bondi and the arrest of men in Liverpool, who police say have no confirmed links to the Bondi gunmen.
The announcement comes as New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns addressed concerns about “hate preachers” in the community, vowing to work with the Commonwealth to curb the influence of those spreading racism and antisemitism. Minns specifically criticized Wissam Haddad, a controversial Muslim cleric, labeling him a “proven racist” following a Federal Court ruling in July that found Haddad had vilified the Jewish community in online lectures.
Community Tensions and Legislative Response
Premier Minns emphasized the need to deploy all available measures against individuals inciting violence, particularly among young people. He expressed concern over the current “combustible” situation in the community, noting that the new protest laws are not intended to target any specific group but to prevent violence.
“There’s nothing we can do about a group of people meeting on street corners,” Minns stated. “But what we can do is stop a march through the city.” He acknowledged that some might view these measures as excessive but maintained their necessity given the heightened tensions.
The NSW government is poised to introduce unprecedented legislation on public gatherings. Attorney-General Michael Daley clarified that the laws are designed to enhance public safety rather than target specific communities or ideologies. The police commissioner will have the authority to ban public gatherings deemed likely to incite fear or violence following a terrorist event.
Gun Control Measures and Public Safety
In addition to addressing public gatherings, the NSW government is tightening gun control laws. Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley announced the closure of a loophole that allowed gun licence revocations to be overturned on appeal, potentially exposing sensitive intelligence. The new measures will enable police to act decisively based on intelligence without risking public disclosure.
Gun ownership will be restricted to four firearms per individual, with exceptions for primary producers and sporting shooters. The legislation, set to be introduced to the NSW Parliament, will reclassify certain firearms, limiting their possession to farmers and agricultural workers. Magazine capacities for category A and B firearms will also be reduced.
“By removing the NCAT-on-appeal pathway, police will be able to rely on intelligence without fear of its being exposed,” Catley stated. “These changes give police greater confidence to act early and to act decisively and to keep people safe.”
Broader Implications and Future Actions
The move represents a significant shift in Australia’s approach to gun control and public safety, reflecting a broader trend of tightening security measures in response to perceived threats. The NSW government will also ban the display of the Islamic State flag, further underscoring its commitment to combating extremism.
Under the new laws, the NSW Police Commissioner will have the power to restrict public assemblies in “designated areas” following a terrorist designation. These extraordinary powers, unprecedented in Australia, will allow for the prohibition of protests in specific areas or statewide for up to three months after a terrorist incident.
As Australia grapples with these challenges, the national gun buyback scheme is seen as a proactive step towards reducing the risk of gun violence. The scheme is expected to draw parallels to the successful 1996 buyback following the Port Arthur massacre, which resulted in the collection and destruction of over 600,000 firearms.
With these legislative changes, the Australian government aims to balance civil liberties with the imperative of ensuring public safety, navigating the complex landscape of modern security threats.
