Australia’s parliament votes for tougher hate crime and gun laws after the Bondi Beach shooting, targeting radicalisation and firearms control.
SYDNEY: Australian politicians have voted in favour of tougher hate crime and gun laws. This follows the December 14 shooting at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives backed the legislation in response to the attack. The gunmen allegedly targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pic) told parliament the government was tackling both hate and firearms. “The terrorists had hate in their hearts, but they also had high-powered rifles in their hands,” he said.
The hate speech legislation toughens laws and penalties for spreading hate and radicalisation. It creates aggravated offences for preachers or adults seeking to radicalise children.
The reform also makes it easier to reject visas for people suspected of terrorism. This applies to those espousing hatred based on race, colour, or origin.
On firearms, Australia will set up a national gun buyback scheme. It will also tighten import rules and expand background checks for gun permits.
The legislation was debated in a special parliamentary session. It must still be approved by the upper house Senate, which was expected to vote later.
The attack has sparked national soul-searching about antisemitism. There is also anger over the failure to shield Jewish Australians from harm.
Gunman Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police during the attack. His son Naveed, an Australian-born citizen, has been charged with terrorism and 15 murders.
Police and intelligence agencies face questions about whether they could have acted earlier. Naveed Akram was flagged by intelligence in 2019 but was deemed no imminent threat.
