Australia Approves Gun and Hate Crime Reforms Post-Bondi Shooting

Australian lawmakers on Tuesday approved sweeping reforms to tighten gun controls and combat hate crimes, in direct response to a deadly mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach last month that claimed 15 lives. The House of Representatives passed the measures by a vote of 96 to 45, with the bills now advancing to the Senate for final approval later in the day.

The attack occurred on December 14, 2025, the first night of Hanukkah, when more than 1,000 people had gathered for a Jewish festival celebration at the iconic beachfront location. Two gunmen, 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 people, most of them Jewish, and injuring dozens more. Authorities have stated the assailants were inspired by the Islamic State group. Sajid Akram was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, while his son was taken into custody at a hospital. A bystander, Ahmed alAhmed, intervened heroically and helped disarm one of the attackers before emergency services arrived.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke introduced the legislation during a special two-day session of parliament, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had recalled early from...