Minns defends new guns and protest laws after marathon debate
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The news: NSW Premier Chris Minns says the state Labor government is "not done" yet with reforms in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, as sweeping gun and protest laws passed parliament on Wednesday morning.
The context: The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed the Upper House 18 votes to eight with Liberal support, though the Nationals opposed it. The bill goes for assent today and then becomes law.
The laws limit recreational shooters to four firearms, with primary producers and sports shooters allowed up to 10.
The protest restrictions allow NSW Police to deny authorisation for protests in restricted areas for 14 days after a terror designation, extendable to three months.
Some Labor MPs spoke out against the protest elements, with Upper House member Stephen Lawrence rejecting any connection between Sydney protests and the Bondi murders. Protest groups have announced they will launch a constitutional challenge.
Premier Minns defended the laws by citing images of Iranian and Hezbollah leaders, Hamas and Hezbollah flags, and inflammatory slogans at rallies.
What they said: "Sydney and New South Wales has changed forever as a result of that terrorist activity last Sunday, and we know it's our responsibility to do everything we can to keep the people of New South Wales safe," Minns told media at a press conference.
"This does restrict rights, whether it's for protests or guns, but in these circumstances, we've got a higher obligation to the public. These extraordinary measures are necessary right now."
The sources: AFR, press conference
