NSW passes ‘toughest gun laws in generation’, bans terror symbols
The legislation makes it an offence to display publicly and without reasonable excuse a prohibited terrorist organisation's symbol such as an ISIS, Hamas or Hezbollah flag
NSW has passed what the state government calls “the toughest gun law reforms in a generation” alongside measures cracking down on hateful symbols and restricting public assemblies following terrorist attacks.
The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed parliament on Wednesday following the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people earlier this month.
The bill imposes a cap meaning an individual can have no more than four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers who can have up to 10.
It limits straight-pull/pump action and button/lever release firearms to primary producers, reduces magazine capacity for category A and B firearms and prohibits firearms using belt-fed magazines.
Gun club membership will be mandatory for all firearms licence holders and people will no longer be able to seek to overturn a licence decision through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Other significant gun reforms include requiring all gun clubs to use the GunSafe online platform and a mandate of safe storage inspections before the issue of a permit.
The legislation will be accompanied by a comprehensive audit of existing firearms licences and a gun buyback scheme in partnership with the federal government.
Premier Chris Minns said the reforms were the single best thing the state could do to keep people safe.
“None of these measures alone will end antisemitism and violence but together these reforms are the single best thing we can do to keep the people of New South Wales safe and prevent further harm,” Minns said.
“I acknowledge that these are very significant changes that not everyone will agree with, but our state has changed following the horrific antisemitic attack on Bondi Beach and our laws must change too.”
The legislation makes it an offence to display publicly and without reasonable excuse a prohibited terrorist organisation’s symbol such as an ISIS, Hamas or Hezbollah flag.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment or a $22,000 fine or $110,000 for organisations. A reasonable excuse includes for an academic purpose or another purpose in the public interest.
The bill also allows the police commissioner or deputy commissioner with the police minister to restrict authorised assemblies in specific areas for 14 days following a terrorism declaration.
Once a declaration is made, no public assemblies can be authorised in designated areas including by a court and police will be able to move people on if their behaviour or presence obstructs traffic or causes fear, harassment or intimidation.
The declaration can be extended by 14-day periods for up to three months. It will not stop quiet reflection, prayer or peaceful gatherings which are not likely to cause fear or safety concerns.
The legislation also gives police greater powers to require someone suspected of committing an offence during a public assembly to remove their face covering.
Attorney-general Michael Daley has asked the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety to conduct an inquiry into hateful statements including “globalise the intifada”.
The committee will recommend what laws should be introduced to tackle the conduct with a view to introducing them when parliament returns in the new year.
Police minister Yasmin Catley said the reforms strengthen oversight, improve enforcement and reduce risk when it comes to firearm ownership.
“The antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach has changed us forever and the Government is responding to try to prevent future harm,” Catley said.
“We’re giving police the powers they need to best ensure the community is safe.”
Daley said there was no place for conduct which espouses hate, threatens or intimidates others.
“We are ensuring those who publicly display terrorist symbols are met with the full force of the law,” Daley said.
“I know there is more work to do and have asked the Committee on Law and Safety to provide recommendations about further reforms to curb hate speech. The Government will take whatever measures needed to keep the community safe.”
The measures build on previous legislation to combat hate including new offences for inciting racial hatred and displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places and additional protections for people seeking to attend their place of worship.
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