AUSTRALIA - Tougher Gun Laws After Bondi Beach

Australia’s most populous state passed sweeping new gun and anti-terror rules following the mass shooting on Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership, banning public display of terror symbols and strengthening police power to curb protests.

Premier Chris Minns said not all residents of New South Wales would support the tough reforms but his government was doing everything possible to keep people safe, in the wake of the December 14 shooting at a Jewish Hannukah celebration, where 15 people were killed and dozens wounded.

Minns said concerns had been raised over chants like “globalize the intifada,” usually heard during pro-Palestine protests, adding that hateful statements used to vilify and intimidate people must be banned.

Police believe the two alleged gunmen were inspired by the militant Sunni Muslim group Islamic State. Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police, while his 24-year-old son Naveed has been charged with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism.

-www.reuters.com, 24 December 2025

Commentary: Australia is listed as one of the safest countries in the world. It has high life expectancy: 84.2 years. It is always listed in the top ten with European nations when it comes to quality of life, and according to the World Happiness Index, it is listed at #9.

While mass shootings have been reported in many countries—even those with strict firearm regulations—this murderous act was especially painful for Jewish people. On 14 December 2025, Jews were celebrating Hanukkah (Festival of Lights). Some 1,000 people gathered at the beach to celebrate, but it turned into a horrific murderous tragedy. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, turned into death and darkness.

Now the Australian government is attempting to change prevailing firearm laws.

Based on Wikipedia, of Australia’s 25 million population, only 3.15 million have registered firearms, compared to the US with a 342 million population and 393 million firearms. According to World Population Review, homicide rates per 100,000 population: Australia is at 0.09 casualties (compared to USA 4.42). Simplified: more guns, more bodies.

We are living in a world of much turmoil, conflict and, as in this case, murderous crimes. Many ask: Will it ever end? The answer is no and yes. Regardless of what country and the prevailing laws regarding firearms, the slaughter will continue, which began when Cain killed his brother Abel.

But it will cease when Micah 4:3 is fulfilled: “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”