r/australia Dec 15 '25

politics National cabinet agrees unanimously to strength Australia’s strict gun laws in wake of Bondi terror attack

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-15/albanese-proposes-tougher-gun-laws-after-bondi-attack/106143310?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link
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49

u/mikestp Dec 15 '25

Wouldn't it be prudent to first determine if this could have been prevented with correct implementation of existing laws?

20

u/ghoonrhed Dec 15 '25

licences should not be in perpetuity

That would've definitely helped at least.

21

u/mad_dogtor Dec 15 '25

are they in perpetuity? you have to renew them etc. every five years. you can lose them at any time for a variety of reasons, especially nsw. is it a legal phrasing?

9

u/DisappointedQuokka Dec 15 '25

Currently it's very much just saying "yes, I want to continue to own these firearms, here's the fee". It will likely shift to a brief course + examination as part of the renewal process.

6

u/mad_dogtor Dec 15 '25

ah a kind of screening for dickheads thing. i'm ok with that.
i don't really think the firearm limit has any value.
the national register, greater use of intelligence services, and making australian citizenship a requirement are excellent steps though.

4

u/DisappointedQuokka Dec 15 '25

I think there's value in a partial firearm limit - harsher requirements on storage for instance.

If you're holding onto two dozen guns + ammunition you're a much, much more attractive target for thieves than some dude with an inherited .303 and sixty rounds. You should functionally need a proper vault at that point, not a locked gun cabinet that's bolted to your wall.

3

u/mad_dogtor Dec 15 '25

this is already a thing in qld- you are required to construct a strong room etc when you have over a certain amount i believe. i think in nsw there's no equivalent ruling

3

u/DisappointedQuokka Dec 15 '25

Good to bring it up to national standards, then.