Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), is preparing to pass sweeping gun law reforms in the aftermath of the deadly Bondi mass shooting that shocked the nation and intensified debate over firearm control.

The Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill cleared the NSW parliament’s lower house during an emergency session late Monday, with support from the opposition Liberal Party. The bill is expected to pass the upper house on Tuesday.

Under the proposed changes, individual gun licences will generally be capped at four firearms, while farmers will be allowed to own up to 10. The legislation also includes provisions to ban the public display of terrorist symbols and introduce stricter controls on protests deemed a threat to public order.

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The reforms follow the December 14 attack at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Bondi, where 15 people were killed and dozens injured. Police said the alleged gunman, Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by officers, legally owned six firearms. His 24-year-old son, Naveed, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism.

Although Australia tightened gun laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, recent data revealed alarming firearm ownership trends. A police registry showed more than 70 licence holders in NSW each own over 100 guns, with one individual reportedly possessing 298 firearms.

Public sentiment appears strongly in favour of reform. A Sydney Morning Herald poll found that nearly three-quarters of Australians support tougher gun laws. However, the rural-focused National Party has opposed the amendments, arguing they unfairly disadvantage farmers.

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At the federal level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has pledged tighter gun controls and a possible buyback scheme. While calls for a royal commission into the Bondi attack have grown, the government has opted instead for an independent review of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to deliver faster findings.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said swift action was essential, noting that a royal commission could take years to conclude, delaying urgently needed reforms.