Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has passed strict new gun control and anti-terror laws following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach. The new rules aim to tighten firearm ownership, ban the public display of terror-related symbols, and give police more powers to control protests and maintain public order.
The New South Wales Parliament passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill early on Tuesday morning. The decision came after the upper house approved the bill by 18 votes to eight during an emergency session. The government said the fast-tracked law was needed to improve public safety after the recent shooting.
Under the new gun laws, the number of firearms a person can own under a single licence will be limited to four. Farmers, however, will be allowed to own up to 10 guns due to their work needs. The legislation also includes stronger penalties and broader powers for police to respond to security threats and prevent acts of terrorism.