According to Reuters, the parliament of New South Wales was recalled for two days to debate wide ranging firearm reforms and public safety measures.
Under the proposed legislation, the state would introduce ownership caps, limiting individuals to a maximum of four firearms, or up to 10 for specific groups such as farmers. Currently, New South Wales does not impose an upper limit on gun ownership if it is deemed justified. Official figures show that more than 70 people own over 100 firearms, including one individual with 298 guns.
The proposed reforms also include a ban on the public display of terror symbols and new restrictions on protests. Law enforcement agencies would be given additional powers, including the authority to remove face coverings during rallies and demonstrations. Restrictions under public assemblies would also be tightened.
The New South Wales government has announced it will hold a royal commission, the highest level of government inquiry, into the fatal shooting. However, federal opposition leaders are calling for a national level inquiry instead.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the reforms were aimed at strengthening social cohesion. “We have got a responsibility to knit together our community that comes from different races and religions and places from all over the world. We can do it in a peaceful way,” he told reporters.
Australia already enforces some of the world’s toughest gun laws, introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. However, the recent attack has highlighted gaps in existing legislation, particularly around large scale gun ownership, renewing calls for stricter controls across the country.
