Tougher gun laws could soon be introduced, including a crackdown on 3D-printed weapons and tighter limits on the number of firearms a person can own, in response to Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades.
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Federal and state governments are considering major reforms after a licensed gun owner and his son opened fire at Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing 15 people.
Sajid Akram, 50, legally owned six guns, which police say he and his 24-year-old son Naveed used during the attack on Hanukkah celebrations at Australia's most famous beach.
An emergency meeting of national cabinet was held on Monday to coordinate state and federal government responses to the massacre.
Police ministers and attorneys general across the nation have been tasked with developing a number of policies which would limit Australians' access to firearms.
The priority will be further restrictions on gun imports, including 3D-printed weapons, and equipment that can hold large amounts of ammunition.
Longer-term reforms to firearm licences are being considered.
They include a requirement that all licence-holders are Australian citizens, deeper background checks and more regular reviews once someone has a permit.
Governments are also considering stricter limits on the number of guns a person can have and more restrictions on the kinds of guns that are legal.
The prime minister and premiers agreed to accelerate work on a national register of firearms, which has been in progress since late 2023.
Speaking before the reforms were discussed at national cabinet, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there was room to tighten Australia's already-strict gun laws.
"People's circumstances can change, people can be radicalised over a period of time, licences should not be in perpetuity," he told reporters.
NSW Police have defended their response to the terrorist attack as they investigate the gunmen's motives, including whether they were driven by Islamic State sympathies.
The pair sprayed bullets into a crowd at the Chanukah by the Sea event at Archer Park from about 6.47pm on Sunday.
Sajid Akram died after being shot by police, taking the death toll to 16 - the most people killed in a mass shooting on Australian soil since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
He held a gun licence for a decade for the purported purpose of recreational hunting and had the right to own the long-arm weapons used in the attack, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
Premier Chris Minns said a review of the state's gun laws was under way and he would recall parliament to make changes.
The commissioner defended police response to the shooting, despite witnesses describing waiting for up to 10 minutes for help to arrive.
Officers were tasked to be at the event, part of the force's collaboration with Jewish security groups, Mr Lanyon said.
"We have seen very clearly on footage the bravery of officers and members of the public, who took very prompt action to resolve this matter," he said.
Operation Shelter had mobilised to protect and comfort the Jewish community, with more than 300 police on Sydney streets on Monday.
Other states were also ramping-up efforts to protect Jewish communities.
Australian Associated Press
