Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this week that his administration was cracking down on guns and combating antisemitism as the Parliament voted in favor of a sweeping gun control bill in the aftermath of an attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which left at least 15 people dead.
Talking of the new bill, Albanese said, "They strengthen penalties for existing hate crimes and make clear that antisemitism has no place in Australia. And we’ll get more dangerous weapons off our streets. With stronger gun laws and a national buyback to keep communities safe."
A second bill steps up penalties for hate crimes, such as jail terms up to 12 years when a religious official or preacher is involved, and allows bans on groups deemed to spread hate.
The bill, which also provides new powers to cancel or refuse visas for those who spread hate, passed the lower house 116 to 7, with support from Liberal party lawmakers, while the National party, their coalition partners, abstained.
In December 2025, two gunmen opened fire on a crowd, killing at least 15 people, including a child, and injuring dozens more. Police shot and killed one attacker and arrested the other. Multiple homemade bombs were also found.
