After Sydney mass shooting, Australia moves to tighten gun regulations

December 15, 2025

Sydney: Australia’s federal and state leaders on Monday agreed to take swift action to strengthen gun laws following a deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday night that killed 16 people.

National Cabinet agrees on urgent gun law reforms

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a snap National Cabinet meeting was convened after the attack, during which leaders committed to “strong, decisive and focused action” on gun law reform. State and territory police ministers and attorneys-general have been asked to develop proposals, including limiting the number of firearms an individual can own and restricting gun licences to Australian citizens.

Albanese also announced that the National Firearms Agreement, introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, will be renegotiated to ensure it remains effective in today’s security environment.

16 killed in Australia’s deadliest shooting since Port Arthur

Authorities confirmed that the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years, making the incident Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since Port Arthur. The attack occurred during an event marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Police identified the attackers as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50. Sajid was shot dead during a gunfight with police, while Naveed is hospitalised under police guard. Investigators said Sajid was a licensed gun owner with six registered firearms.

Probe underway as links to extremism emerge

Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that Naveed Akram had previously come to the attention of intelligence agencies in 2019 and was investigated for six months. Reports also indicated that both attackers had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, with an IS flag recovered from their vehicle.

Police raids were conducted at the suspects’ residence and a short-term rental property in Sydney as investigations into the motive behind the attack continue.