In a controversial move that has provoked fierce backlash from gun control advocates, the Queensland government has unveiled a new set of gun laws, which critics label as the most lenient in Australia. Premier David Crisafulli, while asserting that the legislation aims to combat antisemitism and bolster public safety following the tragic Bondi terror attack, has faced accusations of prioritising the firearm industry over community safety.
New Regulations Fall Short
On Monday, Crisafulli and Police Minister Dan Purdie outlined the new policy framework, which will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday. Notably, the proposed amendments stipulate that only Australian citizens will be eligible for gun licences, yet there are exceptions for specific groups such as sporting shooters and agricultural workers. Purdie clarified that these restrictions will not apply retroactively, meaning existing gun licences will remain intact.
“We’re not looking to go back and audit the current register,” Purdie stated. “When this is passed, it will only affect new applicants.” This lack of immediate action has drawn ire from advocates who argue that it does little to address the current gun ownership landscape.
A Weak Response to Gun Violence
Critics have been vocal in their condemnation of the proposed laws, particularly in light of recent violence. Stephen Bendle, a senior advocacy advisor for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, expressed profound disappointment, claiming that the Premier’s focus appears to be more aligned with the interests of the firearm community than with the safety of Queensland’s residents.
“Despite the Premier’s rhetoric, Queensland will end up with the weakest gun laws in Australia,” Bendle asserted. “None of the initiatives put forth would effectively prevent tragedies like those witnessed at Bondi or Wieambilla.” He lamented the lack of meaningful dialogue with firearm safety advocates since the Bondi incident, pointing out that their calls for national consistency in gun reform have largely been ignored.
If enacted, the new laws would introduce a mandatory minimum sentence for drive-by shootings, increase penalties for firearm theft and trafficking, and create new offences targeting the ownership of 3D-printed firearms. Additionally, the legislation aims to close a loophole that allegedly hinders police investigations into individuals planning terror attacks.
Controversial Hate Speech Legislation
In tandem with the gun control measures, the Queensland government is set to introduce sweeping hate speech legislation designed to counter antisemitism. This new law would empower the Attorney General to ban specific slogans deemed offensive, including the pro-Palestine chant “from the river to the sea.” Violators could face a maximum of two years in prison for public displays of these phrases.
Civil liberties organisations and opposition groups have expressed alarm, describing the move as an Orwellian overreach into free speech. Greens MP Michael Berkman condemned the legislation, questioning the implications for democracy. “Are we prepared to live in a society where the government decides what words are offensive?” he challenged.
Terry O’Gorman, vice-president of the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, echoed these concerns, arguing that criminalising public expressions merely because they ‘cause offence’ undermines the hard-fought rights protected in Queensland since the oppressive Bjelke-Petersen era.
Legal Challenges Loom
In response to the government’s actions, the advocacy group Justice for Palestine is considering a legal challenge against the antisemitism legislation. Spokesperson Remah Naji stated that they are prepared to contest what they view as an infringement on fundamental rights and freedoms.
As Queensland prepares for the unveiling of the final part of its response to the Bondi shootings, the community remains divided. The measures introduced thus far have sparked a heated debate over public safety, gun rights, and the boundaries of free expression.
Why it Matters
The implications of Queensland’s new gun control and hate speech laws resonate far beyond the state’s borders. As tensions rise in an increasingly polarised society, the balance between public safety and civil liberties is under scrutiny. These legislative changes could set a precedent for how governments across Australia approach gun control and free speech, potentially reshaping the landscape of rights and regulations for future generations. In a climate fraught with fear and division, the need for comprehensive, effective laws that genuinely protect citizens while respecting their rights has never been more critical.
