The stralian Capital Territory (ACT) government announces comprehensive reforms to firearms legislation following the tragic Bondi terror attack. The proposed Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 introduces strict limits on gun ownership, enhances classifications, and bans possession of 3D-printed firearm blueprints. This bill heads to the Legislative Assembly this week as part of broader efforts to bolster public safety.
Key Changes in the Firearms Bill
License holders in the ACT face a new cap of five firearms per person. Exemptions for legitimate occupational or sporting needs permit up to 10 guns. The reforms recategorize firearm types, imposing restrictions on magazine capacity and rapid-fire capabilities to address modern risks.
A significant addition creates a criminal offense for possessing blueprints used to manufacture firearms or parts via 3D printing. These measures target emerging threats from advancing technology, ensuring firearms laws evolve with societal changes.
Government’s Rationale and Minister’s Comments
Dr. Marisa Paterson, ACT Minister for Police, Fire, and Emergency Services, emphasizes that the changes respond to heightened national security concerns after the Bondi incident. “Canberrans expect firearms laws that prioritize community safety,” Paterson states. “These reforms tackle risks from unlimited gun ownership and update classifications for consistency with national standards.”
Paterson highlights the bill’s focus on closing legislative gaps around 3D-printed weapons. “The new laws criminalize possession of blueprints for these illegal firearms,” she adds. “Community safety remains a top priority, with multiple phases of firearms legislation planned this year.”
The proposals align with the national cabinet’s commitment to tougher gun regulations, and the ACT government intends to implement additional enhancements in the months ahead.
Context of the Bondi Terror Attack
The reforms stem from the December 14, 2025, shooting at a Chanukah by the Sea event on Bondi Beach, where gunmen Sajid Akram and his son Naveed targeted attendees. The attack killed 15 people, prompting widespread reviews of firearms policies across multiple jurisdictions.
Police shot and killed Sajid Akram during the incident, while Naveed Akram faces 15 counts of murder and other charges after his arrest and hospitalization.
Current Firearms Landscape in the ACT
The ACT government has long described its existing firearms laws as outdated, especially amid rising use of 3D printers for weapon production. More than 22,000 firearms are currently registered to at least 7,118 licensed holders.
Police Insights on Rising Incidents
ACT Chief Police Officer Scott Lee supports the five-firearm limit, drawing from research conducted by Western stralian police. Recent months show a surge in firearm-related incidents, mostly involving illegal or unlicensed weapons, alongside thefts from registered owners.
“Many unlawful firearms circulate through the grey market, often stolen from licensed holders,” Lee explains. These trends underscore the urgency of the proposed restrictions to curb proliferation and enhance safety.
