A horrific shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach has left 15 people dead, forcing Australia to re-examine its already stringent firearm regulations. The attack, described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as an "act of pure evil, antisemitism, and terrorism," occurred on Sunday, claiming the life of one of the shooters, Sajid Akram.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
Police confirmed that the shooter, Sajid Akram, was a licensed firearm owner and a member of a gun club, suggesting involvement in target shooting. The assault on the festive gathering has intensified criticism that authorities are not doing enough to combat a rising tide of antisemitic crime in the country. In response, Prime Minister Albanese announced he would ask his Cabinet to review potential new restrictions.
What Changes to Gun Laws Are Proposed?
The proposed measures could significantly overhaul Australia's landmark National Firearms Agreement of 1996. Key considerations include capping the number of firearms a single licence holder can own and tightening the periodic reviews of gun licences. The 1996 agreement, enacted after a gunman killed 35 in Tasmania, banned rapid-fire rifles and led to a compulsory buyback that saw over 650,000 firearms surrendered and destroyed.
Current laws are among the world's strictest, featuring:
- A ban on semi-automatic rifles and pump-action shotguns.
- Compulsory licensing with mandatory background checks.
- A 28-day waiting period for purchases.
- A ban on licences for those under 18.
- A requirement for a "genuine reason" for ownership, where self-defence is not accepted.
"The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws," Albanese stated, as reported by AP.
Gun Crime in Context: Australia vs. The World
Despite an increase in the number of firearms in Australia in recent years, gun-related crime remains relatively low. Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology shows that 33 people were killed in firearm-related homicides in the year to June 2024. This starkly contrasts with the situation in the United States, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded an average of 49 gun homicides every single day throughout 2023.
The Bondi Beach tragedy has shaken the nation, proving that even robust legal frameworks require constant vigilance and potential reinforcement in the face of evolving threats.
