In the wake of the tragic Bondi shooting that claimed 15 lives, New South Wales (NSW) is pushing forward with emergency legislation aimed at tightening gun control and imposing restrictions on protests. The proposed laws, which have sparked significant debate, are being fast-tracked through the NSW parliament.

Gun Control Measures

The new gun laws propose limiting individuals to four firearms, with exceptions for professional shooters who may own up to ten. Additionally, gun licence renewals will be required every two years, and appeals against licence refusals will be abolished, granting police the final say. The state has allocated $150 million for a gun buyback program, with matching federal funds expected to double this amount.

Protest Restrictions and Controversy

The legislation also seeks to ban the phrase "globalise the intifada" at protests, a move that has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups. NSW Premier Chris Minns argues that the phrase incites violence and disunity. However, civil rights advocates, including Timothy Roberts of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, contend that these measures infringe on democratic freedoms and the right to protest.

Political Divisions and Reactions

The NSW Coalition is split over the gun reforms, with the Nationals opposing the measures due to their impact on rural communities. Meanwhile, the federal government is considering broader anti-hate speech legislation in response to rising antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a sense of responsibility for the Bondi attack but has resisted calls for a federal royal commission.

Public and Political Responses

Protests have erupted in Sydney, with demonstrators defying the proposed ban on the "intifada" phrase. Critics argue that the government is using the Bondi tragedy to curtail civil liberties. The Greens have labeled the protest restrictions as "draconian," and plan to propose amendments in the upper house.