New South Wales has passed one of the most comprehensive packages of gun control, protest regulation and anti-terror measures in Australia’s recent history following the deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting earlier this month that left at least fifteen people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.

The state parliament approved the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill in an emergency sitting on December twenty-four, reflecting urgent political will to strengthen public safety and respond to national calls for reform after the attack, which authorities and federal leaders have characterised as an act of terrorism and antisemitic violence.

Premier Chris Minns described the measures as necessary to protect communities and support law enforcement in preventing further violence, acknowledging that not all residents would agree with every provision but asserting the reforms would enhance security in the wake of the tragedy.

The omnibus legislation imposes a cap on the number of firearms an individual may own — generally limited to four, with exceptions for farmers and professional shooters up to ten — mandates gun club membership for licence holders, and introduces licence review and enhanced police authority over firearm eligibility.

Police are also empowered to restrict or ban public protests for up to three months following a declared terrorist incident, a response framed by authorities as vital to maintaining public order in highly sensitive periods after a violent event.

In recognition of the risks posed by extremist imagery, the new law criminalises the public display of banned militant symbols, including those of Islamic State, Hamas and Hezbollah, with penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or significant fines.

These provisions have attracted debate, with some civil liberties advocates planning legal challenges on grounds they may infringe on free expression.

The legislation received bipartisan support from the governing Labor Party and the opposition Liberal Party, though it faced opposition from the Nationals and other minor parties concerned about impacts on rural gun owners and protest rights.

The reforms come amid broader national conversations on strengthening Australia’s gun laws and hate crime responses, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese having convened a national cabinet meeting shortly after the Bondi attack to agree on reinforcing already strict gun control frameworks and consider federal measures including a potential gun buyback program.

The attack has intensified scrutiny on firearm licensing systems and hate speech, prompting both state and federal leaders to underscore a commitment to keeping communities safe while balancing civil liberties.