In response to the tragic Bondi shootings, civil rights groups and pro-gun advocates in Australia are voicing concerns over new laws that may restrict firearms and protest freedoms. The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has called its parliament back to discuss several significant changes, including a ban on the phrase “globalise the intifada,” limits on gun ownership, and expanded police powers during protests.
NSW Premier Chris Minns stated that while some might see these laws as excessive, they are essential for community safety. However, a pro-gun politician argued that these laws unfairly target law-abiding gun owners, while civil liberties advocates view the restrictions on protests as a threat to democracy.
When discussing the ban on the term “intifada,” Minns explained that using it at protests could promote disunity and violence. The term originally gained prominence during the Palestinian uprising in the late 1980s and has different interpretations; some see it as a call for resistance, while others view it as incitement to violence.
The recent Bondi attacks, which resulted in 15 deaths, have heightened fears within the Jewish community, leading to accusations that the government is not doing enough to combat antisemitism. The newly proposed laws would empower police to limit demonstrations at places of worship and impose stricter penalties for breaches.
Timothy Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, criticized these proposals, arguing they contradict a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the right to protest at religious sites. He said, “These laws undermine our ability to assemble and communicate, damaging our democracy.”
In addition, new gun regulations in NSW would restrict licensed gun holders to just four firearms, with exceptions for farmers and sports shooters. Following the Bondi incident, where one shooter had six registered guns, these measures echo similar laws enacted in Western Australia earlier this year. Between 1996 and 2016, a reported 69% of Australians supported stricter gun laws according to a survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology.
Moreover, the renewal period for gun licenses would be shortened from five years to two. Mark Banasiak from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party expressed concern that responsible gun owners are being unfairly punished. He noted, “This distracts from the real issue of rising hate and division in our society.”
On the flip side, Walter Mikac, who tragically lost his family in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in 1996, welcomed the reforms, believing they would enhance public safety. The government has also aimed to combat hate speech and increase police authority to ban protests for up to three months following a terrorist incident.
Josh Lees, a spokesperson for the Palestine Action Group, criticized the new laws, calling them draconian. He expressed concern that these changes could undermine the freedoms that Australia is known for, stating, “The Bondi shooting has shifted the dynamics of our democracy.”
David Ossip from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies supported the ban on “intifada” chants, viewing it as a crucial step against hatred and incitement. He underscored the importance of protest in a democratic society while clarifying that it should not include calls for violence against fellow Australians.
As these discussions unfold, it’s clear that Australia is navigating a complex landscape of public safety, civil liberties, and community dynamics. The response to the Bondi shootings may shape not just laws but also societal attitudes in the years to come.
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