Australia Inquiry Recommends Gun Reforms After Sydney Shooting

A government inquiry in Australia has recommended urgent gun law reforms and enhanced security measures for Jewish events following a deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney late last year.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by former High Court Judge Virginia Bell, released its initial report on Thursday with 14 recommendations. Five of those were kept confidential for national security reasons. The inquiry was established after father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire with legally owned rifles at a crowded event on Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. The attack, described by authorities as inspired by the Islamic State group, killed 15 people and injured 40 others. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, who survived with wounds, faces charges of committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, and 40 counts of attempted murder. He has not entered pleas.

The report highlighted a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023. It noted that six days before the shooting, the Community Security Group, which collaborates with police on Jewish...