Australia Moves Forward With Strict Gun Laws After Sydney Hanukkah Shooting

Australia moved fast this week to tighten gun laws after a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney. The attack killed 15 people at Bondi Beach on December 15, 2025. New South Wales leaders introduced major reforms on December 22. They said the laws aim to prevent another deadly attack. The new rules also target extremist symbols linked to the shooting.

The government said the changes are needed after police confirmed that the two gunmen followed extremist ideology. According to Reuters, officials said one of the attackers carried an Islamic State flag. Leaders said the country must respond to the threat with stronger laws and new limits.

New South Wales Pushes Toughest Gun Laws in Australia

New South Wales recalled parliament for two days to pass new firearm rules. The laws cap the number of guns a person can own at four. Farmers and some approved groups may own up to ten. Officials said the state holds more than 1.1 million registered firearms.

The new laws also ban the display of extremist symbols. This includes the Islamic State flag. Police found the flag in a car linked to one of the suspects. Leaders said the ban is needed to stop public support for extremist groups.

The government will also gain new powers to stop protests for up to three months after a terror event. Officials said this is meant to reduce public risk during tense periods. According to the Associated Press, police warned that the suspects were driven by extremist ideology.

Police said one gunman, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed at the scene. He was a 50-year-old Indian national who entered Australia in 1998. His 24-year-old son, Naveed, remains in hospital. He faces charges that include terrorism and 15 counts of murder.

National Impact and the Road Ahead for Australia

The Sydney attack has pushed Australia to consider broader national reforms. The federal government said it will review gun ownership rules and hate speech laws. Leaders also plan to examine police and intelligence systems to find gaps in response.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a large gun buyback program last week. He said the goal is to remove more guns from communities. This will be the biggest gun buyback since 1996, when the government launched major reforms after the Port Arthur massacre.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said more steps are coming next year. He plans to consider tighter hate speech rules. These may include restrictions on the phrase “globalise the intifada,” which is often heard at pro‑Palestinian rallies. He said the state must act to stop messages that could fuel violence.

Australia’s strict gun laws now move into a new phase. Leaders said these steps are needed to stop more violence. The Sydney attack has placed gun control back at the centre of national debate, with strong focus on the main keyword: Australia gun laws.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What are the new Australia gun laws?

The laws limit gun ownership to four guns per person. Some groups like farmers may hold ten. The reforms also ban extremist symbols and allow protest bans after terror events.

Q2: Why were the new gun laws introduced?

The laws follow the Sydney Hanukkah attack that killed 15 people. Officials said the attack showed gaps in current rules. Leaders agreed that tighter laws were needed.

Q3: Who were the suspects in the Sydney shooting?

Police named Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed. The father was killed by police at the scene. The son faces terrorism and murder charges.

Q4: What extremist symbols are banned?

The ban includes the Islamic State flag. Police found this flag linked to one of the suspects. The goal is to stop public support for extremist groups.

Q5: Will Australia run a new gun buyback?

Yes. The Prime Minister announced a major buyback program. It will be the largest since the national reforms in 1996.