In an urgent assembly of the state parliament, Minns announced a series of reforms he aims to see enacted before the holiday season.
“These reforms will impose stricter controls on high-risk firearms, enhancing licensing, storage protocols, and regulatory oversight across the state,” Minns stated.
“I anticipate that this legislative shift will encounter resistance both within parliamentary debates and among the public,” he added.
“I’ve heard concerns from some members of the community suggesting that our measures are overly stringent. However, I am convinced that these legislative updates in New South Wales are essential for the safety of our residents,” Minns emphasized.
While acknowledging that the new regulations represent “extraordinary measures,” Minns argued that they are vital for shielding NSW citizens from further gun-related incidents.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley expressed confidence that similar legislative changes will likely be implemented by other Australian states and territories.
“Reducing the number of those, particularly for recreational shooters, I think is reasonable,” Catley said.
“We know that many are good law-abiding gun licence holders.
“We know that. But, we also have to acknowledge the harm that can be caused by guns and for that reason, we have introduced these legislative reforms.”
Tough new laws will also ban public displays of terrorist symbols, outlaw incitement to violence – including the phrase “globalise the infitada” – and give police stronger powers during public assemblies.
“We cannot pretend that the world is the same as it was before that terrorist incident on Sunday,” Minns added.
“This is a huge burden that we feel on our shoulders and it will require legislative and further reforms early next year.”
Chief executive of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation Sarah Davies spoke on behalf of Walter Mikac, who lost his family in the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting.
Davies said that Mikac welcomed the NSW government’s swift response to changing firearm laws.
“The people of NSW expect their gun laws to be as strong as possible and today, the Minns government has taken important steps to meet that responsibility,” she said.
“Like all Australians, my heart is with the families of the victims, the survivors and Australia’s Jewish community.
“I stand in love and in solidarity with all those affected by this unspeakable violence. I know the life-long cost of violence and loss.”
