The Australian federal parliament is being recalled early from its summer recess, with MPs expected in Canberra before Australia Day, to urgently debate a suite of new laws proposed by the Albanese government. The legislative push is a direct response to the alleged terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in December.
Urgent Legislative Response to Bondi Attack
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed parliament would reconvene ahead of its scheduled 3 February return date. The government aims to pass two key reforms promised in the wake of the 14 December mass shooting: stronger hate speech legislation and tighter gun controls, including a federally funded firearm buyback scheme.
The proposed hate speech laws represent a significant crackdown. They will create a new offence for religious or community leaders who promote violence and establish a regime to list organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech inciting violence or racial hatred. Furthermore, the legislation will outlaw "serious vilification" based on race or advocacy of racial supremacy, and introduce an aggravated offence for adults who radicalise children.
Attorney General Michelle Rowland highlighted the urgency last month, stating the "unprecedented radicalisation of our youth must stop." Her department revealed that nearly half of the 33 individuals currently before the courts on terrorism charges are minors.
Gun Buyback Faces Political Hurdles
Alongside the hate speech crackdown, the government will introduce legislation to help fund what would be the largest national firearm buyback since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The cost is planned to be split 50:50 between the Commonwealth and the states and territories.
This federal initiative is designed to complement new gun controls agreed upon by state and territory leaders at an emergency national cabinet meeting. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has already acted, recalling the state parliament before Christmas to pass laws limiting individuals to four firearms, with higher allowances for farmers and sports shooters. The federal government wants all other jurisdictions to enact similar laws by 1 July.
However, this nationwide push is meeting resistance. Gun advocacy groups and the Nationals party are voicing opposition, potentially splitting the federal Coalition and jeopardising its support for the legislation. The Greens have indicated support for tougher gun laws and a buyback, which would give Labor the numbers needed in the Senate.
Coalition Pushes for Antisemitism Royal Commission
While prepared to consider the new laws, the opposition, led by Sussan Ley, is focusing its political energy on a separate demand. The Coalition is intensifying its campaign for a federal royal commission into antisemitism, inspired by the tactics that forced the 2017 banking inquiry.
Ley declared the issue was "not the main game" compared to the royal commission, which is being called for by families of the Bondi victims and Jewish community leaders. "We in the Coalition will do everything in our power... to deliver this commonwealth royal commission," Ley said. "And if the prime minister has to be dragged, kicking and screaming, to call this royal commission, then so be it."
The government has firmly rejected these calls. Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the requests came "from a good place" but said the focus remained on "urgent and immediate" steps. These include the new hate speech and gun laws, the Richardson review of security agencies, responding to the Segal antisemitism review, and assisting the forthcoming NSW state-based inquiry into the Bondi attack.
As MPs prepare for an early return to Canberra, the stage is set for a contentious parliamentary sitting, balancing urgent national security measures against deeper societal inquiries and political manoeuvring.
