Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has declared a national overhaul of firearm laws is an urgent priority in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, while conceding that the underlying anti-Semitism which motivated the killer presents a far more difficult challenge to address.
National Firearms Register to be Fast-Tracked
Following a meeting of National Cabinet, Premier Cook confirmed that all state and territory leaders have agreed to expedite the creation of a long-stalled national firearms register. The register was first promised after the 2020 Osmington family shootings in WA and again following the 2022 Wieambilla police ambush in Queensland, but progress had stalled. Initially slated for full implementation by 2028, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has now directed resources to speed up the process significantly.
"The Prime Minister made it very clear yesterday that he’d like to see that process sped up," Mr Cook stated, emphasising the collective desire among leaders to fast-track the system.
Western Australia has been tasked with leading the national reform effort, which aims to limit both the number and types of firearms in the community. Mr Cook stressed that while authorities cannot always predict violent intent, robust laws are crucial to keeping weapons away from dangerous individuals.
Combating Anti-Semitism: A Deeper Struggle
The Premier firmly rejected the notion that focusing on gun control was merely a bandaid solution for rising anti-Semitism, but acknowledged the profound difficulty in eradicating prejudicial ideologies. "Absolutely, it is easier said than done," Mr Cook said, referencing the work of Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Siegel.
He noted that while many recommendations from Siegel's report have been actioned by Federal and State governments, more work remains. This sentiment was echoed by WA Police Minister Reece Whitby, who highlighted the role of the WA Police hate crime team in intervening against extremist rhetoric and symbols online and in the community, aiming to prevent radicalisation that can lead to violence.
Intelligence Sharing and WA's Tough Laws as a Blueprint
The attack has intensified scrutiny on intelligence sharing between federal and state agencies. It was revealed that ASIO had flagged the Bondi attacker, Naveed Akram, six years ago for links to a pro-Islamic State network. Questions remain over whether this information was passed to NSW Police, who confirmed the gun licence held by Akram's father—used to legally obtain the weapons—had lapsed.
Police Minister Reece Whitby would not confirm the existence of a shared terror watchlist but asserted that information on firearm owners is being shared actively. He championed WA's recently enacted Firearms Act, which became effective in March 2024, as the nation's toughest and a model for national reform.
The WA laws introduce:
- New licence types and caps on firearm numbers.
- Mandatory health and safety assessments.
- Stricter storage requirements.
- Bans on certain rapid-fire guns.
A voluntary gun buyback scheme is currently operating until January 14, 2026. Minister Whitby defended the rollout, stating that while gun law reform is not a complete solution, it is a critical component. "WA Police are dedicated to responding to issues around displaying insignia or making comments or being online and provoking certain commentary," he said. "Because, the dots eventually - not always - but eventually, can lead to a Bondi Beach situation."
