Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has moved to tighten Australia’s gun laws following the anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson launched a fierce attack on Labor governments, accusing them of deflecting blame and failing to stop radical extremism.
National Cabinet met urgently after the ISIS-inspired attack targeting members of the Jewish community celebrating Chanukah, pledging to eradicate anti-Semitism and strengthen national coordination on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and community safety.
Leaders agreed to pursue urgent gun law reform, including renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement, expanding intelligence checks in licensing, limiting the number and type of firearms individuals can own, and tightening import controls on weapons and emerging technologies.
But Senator Hanson said the focus on firearms reform amounted to “yet another failure of leadership”, arguing the real issue was radical Islam and intelligence failures.
In a strongly worded media release, Hanson blamed both the Albanese and Minns governments for failing to seize six firearms from a household linked to the attackers.
“This is a disastrous failure by the Albanese and Minns Governments,” she said. “Why was the father allowed to possess guns while living with his son, who authorities had on a terrorism watch list? Police in NSW have the power to revoke or suspend a firearm licence on the spot if they deem the licence holder not to be a fit and proper person.”
Hanson, herself a licensed firearm owner, said rigorous background checks meant it was inconceivable that someone connected to a suspected extremist could meet the required standards.
“You cannot tell me that a person on a terror watch list, or those living in the same house as a suspected violent extremist, is a fit and proper person,” she said.
The One Nation leader accused Prime Minister Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns of having “blood on their hands”, arguing the attack was not the result of failures by lawful gun owners.
“This horrendous event was not perpetrated by Australian farmers or any other legitimate firearm user; it was perpetrated by radical Islamic fundamentalists with alleged connections to ISIS,” Hanson said.
She also pointed to the discovery of three improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the attackers, saying it proved the perpetrators were intent on killing regardless of access to firearms.
“Guns or no guns, they were out to kill with whatever means possible,” she said. “Farmers and lawful firearm owners will not accept responsibility for the Albanese and Minns governments, who continue to avoid the real issue in preference for prosecuting law-abiding citizens.”
Hanson further criticised Australia’s intelligence agencies, questioning how a person on a terrorism watch list was not more closely monitored.
“After all of the money invested into ASIO, ASIS and the Federal Police, they have all failed to follow through on a person on their own watch list,” she said. “That’s not the farmers’ and sporting shooters’ fault.”
She also accused the Prime Minister of failing to explain decisions on migration and national security, including allowing people from conflict zones into Australia and assisting the return of women and children linked to ISIS.
“One Nation will not support changes to the already stringent gun laws in Australia,” Hanson said. “Instead, let’s deal with the real debate on radical Islam that is proving more deadly than anything else in this country.”
The Albanese government has rejected suggestions it is deflecting responsibility, insisting the National Cabinet response reflects the need for decisive, coordinated action to protect communities, prevent terrorism and confront hate in all its forms.
Leaders reiterated that the Bondi attack had no place in Australia and that anti-Semitism, extremism and political violence must be eradicated.
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