Fast-tracked legislation in New South Wales
Australian authorities have moved swiftly to introduce new gun and protest laws following the deadly Bondi attack, a decision that has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and pro-gun advocates.
On Monday, the parliament of New South Wales was recalled to debate a package of fast-tracked measures. These include banning the use of the phrase “globalise the intifada”, limiting the number of firearms an individual may own, and expanding police powers in relation to protests.
NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged that some may feel the changes “have gone too far” but said the measures were necessary to protect public safety.
Debate over banning protest slogans
A central point of controversy is the proposed ban on the phrase “globalise the intifada”. Minns said its use at protests in Australia and internationally amounted to a call for violence and contributed to social division.
The term “intifada” gained prominence during the 1987 Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. While some view it as a call to violence against Jewish people, others argue it represents resistance to occupation.
Following the Bondi attacks, in which 15 people were killed, leaders within the Jewish community accused authorities of failing to adequately address rising antisemitism.
Expanded police powers and protest restrictions
The new protest laws would allow police to restrict demonstrations near places of worship and impose tougher penalties for breaches. Officers would also gain the authority to remove face coverings from protesters suspected of committing offences, including minor ones.
Previously, police could only exercise such powers if an individual was arrested or suspected of an indictable offence.
Timothy Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, warned that the legislation ignored a recent Supreme Court ruling that found similar “move-on” powers at religious sites breached Australia’s implied constitutional freedom of political communication.
“These laws are an affront to our right to assemble and communicate,” he said, arguing they undermine democratic principles and risk deepening social divisions.
New gun ownership limits
Under the proposed reforms, gun licence holders in NSW would be restricted to owning no more than four firearms. Exceptions would apply to farmers and sport shooters, who could own up to ten.
The measures follow similar reforms introduced earlier this year in Western Australia. Elsewhere in the country, there are currently no firearm ownership caps.
Other changes include shortening licence renewal periods from five years to two, as well as a review of which firearms remain accessible to most owners.
Pro-gun politicians criticised the reforms, arguing that law-abiding licence holders were being unfairly targeted. Mark Banasiak of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party said gun owners were being “made a scapegoat” for broader societal issues.
Support for tighter gun laws
Not all responses have been negative. Walter Mikac, whose family members were among the victims of Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in Tasmania in 1996, welcomed the reforms, saying they would “close critical gaps” in gun legislation and prioritise community safety.
The NSW government has also indicated plans to strengthen laws targeting hate speech and symbols, and to allow police to ban protests for up to three months following a terrorist attack.
Source: BBC
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