Federal Labor MP Dan Repacholi has publicly split with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, declaring his opposition to proposed tougher gun laws in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. The Member for Hunter, a former Olympic shooter, argues the changes would unfairly penalise law-abiding firearms owners.
A Public Split on Policy
In a social media statement released on Friday, Dan Repacholi made his position clear, directly contradicting the national stance of his own party leadership. The move represents a significant break in Labor ranks following the horrific attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi last Sunday, which left 15 dead and 42 injured.
"My position is consistent and clear," Mr Repacholi stated. "Australia has strong gun laws and they save lives, but I do not support changes that unfairly target responsible, law-abiding firearms owners."
He criticised measures he described as "blunt, symbolic, or simply designed to appease public anger without improving safety." The MP, who represented Australia in shooting at five Olympic Games, emphasised his personal experience as a licensed owner who has undergone rigorous background checks and safety training.
Government Pushes Ahead with Reforms
The split emerged on the same day Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new national gun buyback scheme, with costs to be split 50:50 with state and territory governments. This followed a meeting of the national cabinet on Monday, where leaders agreed to strengthen firearms legislation.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also unveiled sweeping state-level changes. These include a new cap of four firearms per individual, with exceptions for primary producers and sports shooters who can hold up to ten. Other reforms limit straight-pull and pump-action firearms to farmers, reduce magazine capacities, and impose a complete ban on weapons capable of using belt-fed magazines.
Prime Minister's Firm Rebuttal
When questioned about his backbencher's dissent at a press conference in Canberra, Mr Albanese stood firmly by the proposed reforms. He invoked the legacy of the 1996 Howard government reforms, stating, "We need to go further."
While acknowledging Mr Repacholi's sporting achievements and calling him "a great local member," the Prime Minister fundamentally disagreed that existing laws were adequate. He pointedly asked, "If a bloke from Bonnyrigg needs six high-powered rifles and is able to get them under the existing licensing scheme, then there is something wrong. I think Australians can see that."
High Gun Ownership in the Hunter Electorate
The debate holds particular resonance in Mr Repacholi's electorate. Data reported by the Newcastle Herald this week revealed there are approximately 100,000 guns registered to individual licences in the Hunter region alone. Within the MP's own electorate, the postcodes of Singleton and Cessnock account for around 17,000 of those registered firearms.
Mr Repacholi, who was approached for comment, has built his political identity in part on his background as a elite sports shooter. His public stance highlights the delicate balance the government must strike between a swift national security response and the concerns of regional communities with high rates of legal gun ownership for sport and farming.
The unfolding disagreement signals potential internal debate within the Labor Party as it seeks to navigate the complex and emotionally charged issue of gun control in the aftermath of national tragedy.
