Bondi tragedy ignites political clash over gun law reform
There is growing anger in regional areas over what is being seen as a sudden pivot by Labor and the Greens to shift the focus of the Bondi tragedy toward further gun control, even before all the facts are known.
That divide is now being played out locally through sharply contrasting statements from Nationals Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan and the Lismore-based NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson.
Within hours of the attack at Bondi Beach, Ms Higginson joined other Greens MPs calling for tighter gun laws, arguing firearm access lay at the heart of the tragedy.
Mr Hogan has pushed back strongly, warning the rush to gun reform risks redirecting the national debate before investigators have established exactly what happened.
Above: A Facebook post from Green’s MLC Sue Higginson.
Main image: Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan appears in a nationally televised live interview on Sky News from the Bondi Pavilion
Higginson calls for tighter gun laws
In a social media post, Ms Higginson said it was “unfathomable” that the attacker was able to access a gun.
She said the Greens were calling for new gun laws to reduce gun numbers and stood ready to work with the NSW Government.
Ms Higginson’s comments came after months of Greens activism on Gaza and Israel, including rallies and “anti-Zionist” public statements that have drawn criticism from Jewish community members and political opponents.
Critics argue that some of that activism has failed to clearly distinguish between criticism of a foreign government and rhetoric that affects Jewish Australians.
Hogan says gun debate misses the core threat
Speaking on Sky News Australia, Mr Hogan said gun laws were not the heart of the issue.
“This issue is about antisemitism and extremist ideology in this country,” the Page MP said.
“The Jewish community are telling us they don’t feel safe, and for good reason.”
Mr Hogan said while gun access should be examined, it should not replace tougher action on extremism, intelligence and immigration screening.
“Gun control wouldn’t stop bombs,” he said, pointing to previous attacks, arson incidents and threats against synagogues.
He called for stronger antisemitism laws, tighter immigration checks and greater resourcing for intelligence agencies.
Legitimate gun questions also emerging
Beyond party lines, governments are now examining how a high-powered firearm was able to be used in a densely populated city.
Questions are also being raised about how weapons were accessed in a case involving a family member previously known to ASIO.
Several state premiers have indicated support for reviewing gun storage, licensing and compliance enforcement, particularly in metropolitan areas.
The Prime Minister has said gun laws form part of a broader national conversation alongside counter-extremism measures.
Guns a smokescreen for leadership failure
Former prime minister John Howard has said the failure that had led to the Bondi massacre was not gun laws, but rather weakness on antisemitism.
“I do not want this debate post this horrible event to be used, the focus on guns be used as a pretext to avoid the broader debate about the spread of hatred of Jewish people and antisemitism,” Mr Howard said.
“If the prime minister, immediately after the attack of the 7th of October 2023, had called an all-points cymbals and drum national press conference, convened a meeting of the national cabinet, he could have done that … and had that on the day after the attack, you would not have had that obscene demonstration at the Opera House,” he said.
“From the beginning, people of the Jewish community would have felt there is somebody on their side. He didn’t do that.”‘
Mayor urges unity at local level
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has issued a statement calling for compassion and solidarity.
“Our community is one of compassion, inclusion and respect,” the Mayor said.
“Now more than ever, we must stand firmly against hatred, intolerance and violence in all its forms.”
She also thanked first responders and community members who risked their lives to help others.
Support services available
Residents affected by the tragedy can access support 24/7 via:
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Further information is available at nsw.gov.au/bondibeachattack.
