New South Wales Premier Proposes Stricter Gun Laws Following Sydney Terror Attack

In response to the recent terror attack in Sydney, which resulted in 15 deaths and involved a legally armed suspect, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has called for urgent reforms to firearm legislation. During a press conference, Minns emphasized the need to introduce a bill making it significantly harder to acquire firearms deemed unnecessary for the general public, particularly targeting long guns held by individuals without agricultural needs. The deceased suspect, aged 50, held a category AB license allowing possession of six rifles and was a shooting club member, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

The attack involved two armed men targeting a Jewish celebration on a Sydney beach; the father, who was the suspect with the firearm license, was shot dead by police. His 24-year-old son, hospitalized after the incident, had attracted prior intelligence scrutiny in 2019 due to links with radicalized individuals, though no specific threat was identified at that time. Minns stressed the importance of ensuring that new legislation has a meaningful impact, reflecting widespread concern over the gravity of this tragic event.

The call for reform highlights increased political momentum in Australia to tighten gun control laws amid growing public safety concerns following this horrific crime.