Summary
Australia's lower house of parliament voted in favor of stronger gun controls and a gun buyback program after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The new measures include stricter checks on firearm license applications and aim to reduce the number of guns in the country. The bill will now go to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with support from the Greens party.
Key Facts
- The lower house passed the bill with a vote of 96 to 45.
- The legislation includes a national gun buyback program.
- The buyback scheme targets "surplus and newly restricted firearms."
- New checks will be applied to firearm license applications.
- The Bondi Beach shooting on 14 December involved a father-son duo; the father legally owned six guns.
- Parliament is discussing additional measures, including reforms to tackle hate speech.
- The bill also aims to improve information sharing between intelligence agencies on gun license applicants.
- The Senate is expected to approve the bill with the backing of the Greens party.
