Australia’s federal politicians will be called back to Canberra earlier than planned before Australia Day to pass urgent legislation responding to the country’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
Parliament, originally scheduled to resume on February 3, is now expected to sit as early as January 12, though the week of January 19 is considered more likely.
New Laws Target Hate Preachers and Strengthen Visa Powers
The Albanese government is preparing a legislative package aimed at:
Cracking down on hate preachers who vilify people of other faiths
Introducing stronger powers for the home affairs minister to cancel or refuse visas of foreigners who spread hate or division
Launching a national gun buyback program
These measures follow the December 14 Bondi Beach terror attack, where two gunmen targeted a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring many more.
Pressure Mounts for a National Royal Commission
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing increasing calls from independent MPs, Jewish community leaders, business figures, sporting icons, and others to establish a national royal commission into the attack and the rise of anti‑Semitic sentiment.
So far, Labor has resisted, arguing that multiple inquiries are already underway, including:
A review of Australia’s intelligence agencies led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson
A NSW royal commission into the Bondi Beach massacre
Federal Labor frontbencher Tim Ayres warned that launching another royal commission could delay the government’s immediate response.
“A Time to Act With Urgency”
Ayres said the priority now must be unity and swift action to prevent further violence.
Police investigations into the attack carried out by a father‑and‑son duo are ongoing.
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