Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced an ambitious initiative aimed at collecting and destroying “hundreds of thousands” of firearms across Australia. This move comes in response to the increasing number of guns in the country, which now exceeds 4 million—surpassing the count at the time of the Port Arthur massacre nearly three decades ago.
In a gesture of mourning and solidarity, Albanese declared that flags on all New South Wales and Australian government buildings would be flown at half-mast. This act is intended to honor the lives lost and acknowledge the collective grief felt nationwide.
Albanese did not hold back in addressing the issue of violence, stating, “I’m not going to mince my words — too much of this is directed at the Jewish community.” His comments highlight a growing concern over targeted discrimination and violence.
In light of these concerns, a call for legislative action has been made. “We demand that the parliament is recalled to pass legislation to eradicate antisemitism and counter violent extremism. That can happen as early as next week,” a spokesperson announced on Thursday afternoon.
She emphasized the importance of this legislative effort, adding, “We’re going to make sure that we get the laws right,” underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling these pressing issues effectively and decisively.
‘Not practical’ to recall parliament, Albanese says
“We demand that the parliament is recalled to pass legislation to eradicate antisemitism and counter violent extremism. That can happen as early as next week,” she said on Thursday afternoon.
“We’re going to make sure that we get the laws right.”
NSW to introduce gathering laws, reform gun laws
“[We] will reclassify straight, pull, pump-action, button, lever release firearms into category C — limiting their access primarily to farmers, agriculture, primary producers.
“A declaration must be called within 14 days of a terrorism designation being reached under the Police Powers Act.”
