New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will reconvene parliament next week to discuss proposed changes aimed at tightening gun laws across the state. This move follows the recent tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about firearm regulations. Key proposals include imposing limits on the number of firearms each licence holder can possess, as well as enhancing police powers to deny gun licences to individuals deemed a security risk.
During a press conference, Minns expressed his concern, stating, “I think a lot of Australians are asking the same question: ‘How can this person have six guns?’” He referenced the stringent gun laws enacted after the Port Arthur massacre, noting that while significant progress has been made, the current situation demands further action. He emphasized that the Prime Minister had prioritized this issue at the national cabinet level, highlighting a collective desire to enhance public safety.
Western Australia currently limits gun ownership to five firearms per individual, but Minns indicated that he believes this number is still excessive, with discussions suggesting a potential cap of three. Additional proposed changes include reclassifying straight shotguns and considering a ban on belt-fed magazines for these firearms. The legislation aims to bolster police authority to reject firearms applications based on intelligence regarding a person’s potential risk to public safety.
Currently, the law permits the police commissioner to deny a licence based on “criminal intelligence” if there is a reasonable belief that the applicant poses a danger. Minns indicated that the upcoming bill would remove the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal as a recourse for individuals whose licences have been revoked, a change intended to streamline the decision-making process regarding public safety.
The proposed reforms have garnered support from the Greens, who have long advocated for stricter gun control measures. State Greens MP Sue Higginson stated, “The premier has identified reforms to enable greater consideration of intelligence by police when licensing firearms.” She called for lawmakers to unify around evidence-based proposals to establish some of the world’s strictest gun laws in light of recent violence.
Despite the growing momentum for reform, Minns’ stance on gun control has evolved. In 2025, the NSW parliament was considering a private member’s bill from Robert Borsak of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers party, which aimed to enshrine hunting rights and ease restrictions on firearms. The bill appeared to have significant backing from Labor until gun control advocates launched a campaign against it.
As community concerns grew, Labor began to retract its support, particularly regarding the legislative right to hunt and the use of silencers. Tara Moriarty, the NSW Agriculture Minister, initially supported the bill, arguing that hunting is a vital cultural tradition for many. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically following the Bondi incident.
In the wake of the attack, Minns suggested a reevaluation of whether recreational hunting should justify gun ownership, stating, “We are going to review that.” He indicated that discussions with stakeholder groups, including those focused on gun control, were ongoing.
Concerns also arose regarding the arming of police officers, as the NSW police force historically equipped officers with only handguns. Mal Lanyon, the NSW police commissioner, acknowledged the need for a reassessment of police armament in light of the Bondi shooting, stating, “What happened on Sunday has changed that dynamic.”
The tragic events have catalysed a significant shift in the discourse surrounding gun ownership in New South Wales. As the government prepares to introduce new legislation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the community while balancing the rights of responsible gun owners. The forthcoming discussions in parliament will likely be pivotal in shaping the future of firearm regulations in the state.