January 1, Australia Doubles Down on Gun Limits After Attack

Wyatt’s Take

• Australia tightens gun laws after Bondi Beach massacre targeting Jews.
• Many say harsh restrictions still fail to stop determined criminals.
• U.S. moves toward more Second Amendment protection as Australia goes further the other way.

Australia is pushing stricter gun rules after a mass shooting during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. Leaders are promising new laws despite already having some of the world’s toughest restrictions, raising questions from those who argue criminals don’t follow gun control in the first place.

“Gun free zones obviously don’t work. Didn’t work in Australia. They didn’t work at Brown University. They don’t work virtually everywhere. So across the board, what we’re seeing is the need for the Second Amendment, and especially the Bruen decision from the Supreme Court, to be upheld,” Willis K. Lee, NRA board member, explained.

Australian law already demands strict licensing, background checks, and evidence of a specific reason to own a gun, with self-defense not allowed as a justification. After the recent attack, leaders want license reviews, new limits on how many guns a person may own, and tighter inspections on types and modifications.

Gun rights have faded in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, even as violent incidents continue. Law-abiding citizens face tough hurdles while criminals ignore the rules. New efforts could even bar non-citizens from gun ownership entirely. There’s debate over whether these restrictions actually make people safer or just create more soft targets.

The massacre hit during a public Jewish festival on Hanukkah, fueling worries about rising antisemitism in Australia. Police say antisemitic incidents, including vandalism, violence, and threats, are up hundreds of percent over previous years. The government is responding with new laws and taskforces, trying to address the increased threats faced by Jewish Australians.

Some critics note the government’s recent focus on anti-Muslim discrimination, pointing out that a new report and special envoy to combat Islamophobia were announced shortly before the attack on Jewish citizens, raising questions about priorities and response.

Read more from Just The News

Wyatt Matters

When politicians pile on more red tape that lawbreakers ignore, everyday folks lose their ability to protect themselves and their families. Heartland Americans know real safety comes from personal responsibility, not empty promises and new restrictions that only impact the law-abiding.