Australia Tightens Gun Laws, Outlaws Hate Groups Post Sydney Attack

Australia's Parliament has passed stringent anti-hate speech and gun laws following a Sydney attack at a Jewish festival. These measures include a gun buyback program and a crackdown on groups not classified as terrorist organizations. The laws aim to prevent future tragedies by restricting firearms and addressing hate motivations.

Australia's Parliament has implemented significant changes to its legal framework, passing new anti-hate speech and gun restriction laws following a deadly attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney last month. These new measures are part of a broader strategy to prevent violence inspired by extremist ideologies.

The legislative changes introduce tighter gun control, including a government-funded buyback program designed to disarm those who fall under new restrictions. Additionally, anti-hate laws enable the outlawing of groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir, which are not officially labeled as terrorist organizations in Australia, despite being banned elsewhere.

While some opposition arises, including concerns over free speech from the Nationals party, the Labour-led government emphasizes the necessity to address both the motivations and methods of such attacks to enhance public safety. Ongoing discussions with various regions are underway to implement the buyback scheme effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)