Australian gun lobby launches campaign against tighter laws after Bondi attack

Gun lobby groups, with support from the Nationals and One Nation, have begun a coordinated campaign of advertising, petitions and legal discussion opposing proposed tighter gun laws after the Bondi beach attack; the federal government seeks state commitments by March and legislation by 1 July.

Australian political debate has widened after the Bondi beach attack, which officials have described as an antisemitic-inspired terrorist incident. The prime minister secured agreement at national cabinet to renegotiate the national firearms agreement and proposed measures including a national buyback and a faster national gun register. New South Wales moved quickly to limit the number of firearms an owner can possess, and the federal government wants other states and territories to commit by March and legislate changes by 1 July. In response, shooting groups and some politicians have begun an organised campaign opposing the proposed measures. Key points: - Authorities described the Bondi beach incident as an antisemitic-inspired terrorist attack. - The federal government reached national cabinet agreement to renegotiate the national firearms agreement and is asking states and territories to commit by March and to pass laws by 1 July. - Gun lobby groups, supported by the Nationals and One Nation, have launched advertising, petitions and a coordinated coalition and have discussed legal and political challenges. Summary: The reporting shows a rapid political response and a clear division between governments pursuing national and state changes and organised gun lobby groups opposing them. Decisions by state and territory governments in the coming months, and any legal challenges brought by lobby groups, will shape how the proposed national changes proceed.