Australian politicians to discuss and vote on tougher hate speech laws and gun reform, following the Bondi attack. Measures include tougher hate crime penalties, bans on hate groups and symbols, visa cancellation, stricter gun licensing, and a major national gun buyback scheme.

15 people were killed at Bondi Beach on December 14 after two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating a Jewish festival. The gunmen were allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group.

PM Anthony Albanese recalled parliament two weeks early to pass the law. ‘The terrorists at Bondi Beach had hatred in their minds, but guns in their hands. This law will deal with both,’ Albanese said.

The new legislation is likely to fuel concerns over freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Directly after the attack, the New South Wales government effectively banned protests for three months, claiming the ‘implications’ of pro-Palestine rallies could be seen in the Bondi attack. Prior to Bondi, popular opinion and protest had prompted Canberra to recognise Palestine at UNGA in September 2025.

On JAN 13, Australia’s largest free literary festival, Adelaide Festival Week, was canceled after more than 180 writers and speakers withdrew over the scrapping of an appearance by an Australian Palestinian writer and academic. Organisers cited cultural sensitivities ‘at this unprecedented time so soon after’ Bondi as one reason for disinviting Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah from the event.