Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed tougher gun control measures following a deadly mass shooting that claimed 15 lives at a Jewish festival on a Sydney beach.
The attack occurred on Sunday evening during Hanukkah celebrations, when two alleged gunmen — a father and son — opened fire on crowds gathered at the beach. Police confirmed that the 50-year-old father was legally licensed to own six firearms, which authorities believe were used in the attack.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Albanese said stricter gun laws were necessary, including imposing limits on the number of firearms an individual can own.
“The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary, and that includes the need for tougher gun laws,” he said, adding that the proposed reforms would be discussed at a National Cabinet meeting with state premiers later that day.
Albanese also raised concerns about long-term firearm licensing, noting that radicalisation can develop over time. “Licences should not be granted in perpetuity,” he said.
Australia has seen relatively few mass shootings since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where 35 people were killed. That tragedy led to sweeping gun control reforms, including a nationwide gun buyback scheme, the creation of a national firearms register, and strict limits on semi-automatic weapons — measures widely regarded as a global benchmark.
Albanese said it may now be time to reassess and further strengthen the country’s gun laws. “I’m certainly open to it,” he said.
