Australia Tightens Gun Control and Clamps Down on Hate Crimes Post-Bondi Tragedy

The Australian parliament has passed new gun control and anti-hate laws following a mass shooting at a Jewish festival. The legislation includes a national gun buyback, stricter firearm license checks, and harsher penalties for hate crimes. The measures are set to pass with support from the Greens.

In a decisive response to the tragic mass shooting at a Jewish festival last month, Australia's lower house of parliament has approved significant reforms on gun control and hate crimes. The new legislation, which proposes a national gun buyback and stricter background checks, awaits further discussion in the Senate.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the dire need for these reforms to tackle the motivations and methods of violence, citing the Bondi Beach attack as a critical turning point. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took the extraordinary step of recalling parliament early to address the nation's outcry for more stringent controls.

In addition to the gun reforms, the government has introduced stronger penalties for hate crimes, including the power to cancel or deny visas to those inciting violence. Despite resistance, the combined efforts of lawmakers signal a firm stance against extremism and a move towards a safer Australian society.