Australia Gun Law Reform 2026: Tougher Restrictions After Bondi Beach Attack

Bondi Beach was once a symbol of leisure; now it's the catalyst for Australia's strictest gun reforms in decades. In the wake of last month's devastating terrorist attack, the Australian Parliament has acted decisively to tighten its already world-renowned firearms legislation.

Australia Gun Law Reform 2026: Response to Bondi Beach Attack

On January 20, 2026, a legislative package passed with 96 ayes to 45 noes. This legislative surge follows the tragic Bondi Beach shooting where a father-and-son duo opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering, killing 15 people. The shockwaves of the massacre reignited a national debate over whether the 30-year-old laws were still fit for purpose.

New Measures: Imports, Background Checks, and Buybacks

The updated laws introduce a suite of rigorous measures. Now, only Australian citizens are permitted to import firearms, closing a loophole that critics argued was being exploited. Additionally, background checks for licenses will be significantly stricter. To further reduce the number of weapons in circulation, the government has launched a new buyback scheme, reimbursing owners who surrender their weapons.

Professor Simon Chapman from the University of Sydney highlighted the efficacy of such laws, noting that while Australia had 13 mass shootings in the 18 years before the 1996 reforms, it has seen only two in the 30 years since. However, some conservative MPs argue the changes unfairly target law-abiding enthusiasts rather than addressing the root causes of extremism.