Albanese announced plans to discuss the implementation of more stringent gun control measures with state and territory ministers during the National Cabinet meeting scheduled for 4 p.m., following Minns’ earlier proposal to strengthen firearm legislation.
Among the proposed changes, Albanese highlighted the need to restrict the number of firearms an individual can own and to conduct regular evaluations of gun licenses.
“Circumstances can evolve. Over time, individuals may become radicalized. Therefore, licenses should not be granted indefinitely,” he emphasized.
Albanese expressed a desire for “greater consistency” in firearm laws nationwide.
“While some regulations fall under Commonwealth jurisdiction, others are managed by individual states,” he noted.
“Our goal is to ensure complete alignment and agreement across all regions,” he added.
A national firearms register is being developed and is expected to be implemented by 2028.
The idea was greenlit in December last year following the deadly police shooting at Wieambilla in 2022.
Naveed Akram remains critically injured in hospital under police guard.
Speaking to the media earlier today, Minns said his government would tighten gun laws in NSW, but asked for patience as they draft legislation.
“If you’re not a farmer, if you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these massive weapons that put the public in danger and make life dangerous and difficult for NSW Police?” he asked.
Minns said current laws, which grant firearms licenses in perpetuity, were “clearly not fit for purpose”.
“We need to make sure the firearms legislation in NSW is fit for purpose,” he said.
“That does mean restricting firearms for the general public, for the people of NSW, but not everybody needs these weapons of mass destruction.
“You don’t need them on NSW streets.”
Speaking alongside Minns, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed Sajid held a firearms licence since 2015.
The license allowed the senior Akram to use guns for recreational hunting, which Lanyon said he did as part of a gun club.
“He had a category A, B licence which entitled him to have the long arms that he had as registered firearms,” he said.
Lanyon was questioned over the license approval process, following revelations the younger Akram has been known to ASIO since October 2019.
“The firearms registry conducts a thorough examination of all applications to ensure a person is fit and proper to hold a firearms license,” Lanyon said.
Asked whether firearms license applicants are investigated over their connections to individuals on authorities’ radar, Lanyon said they “absolutely can” be.
“Depending on the nature of … the association, depending on the nature of the intelligence that’s there, they have to weigh up all of those things in accordance with the Firearms Act,” Lanyon said.
“We do take into account all intelligence that’s available.”
Police raided homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie overnight, and have seized the six firearms licensed to the alleged shooter.
Reports indicate a shotgun and bold-action were fired by the alleged gunmen.
Minns also signalled a “comprehensive” police response and policies to combat antisemitism would be to come.
