Rushed bill
Critics said the bill was rushed and not properly examined before Parliament was asked to vote on it.
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws)
Current status
This bill became law on Jan 21st, 2026.
Policy area
Immigration, border & security
What does this bill do?
It would ban imports of violent extremist material and goods that show or contain banned symbols.
Why was it introduced?
The antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and a gap that left no clear basis to block unsafe firearms or weapons imports exposed weaknesses in existing controls. The bill responds by tightening customs and firearms laws, including a public safety test for imports, national firearms background checks, and a buyback for newly restricted guns.
Broader context
Australia already had customs controls on objectionable goods and rules for gun and weapon imports, but officials lacked a clear way to block some imports simply because they posed a public safety risk. After the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, this Act widened border bans to violent extremist material and banned symbols, added federal gun checks and a buyback for newly restricted guns, with most changes starting on 22 January 2026 and the buyback provisions on 18 February.
Key criticism
Critics said the bill was being pushed through too quickly and had not been properly checked. They worried the buyback and compensation rules were too vague and could leave lawful gun owners and some businesses out of pocket, while doing little to stop terrorism or extremism. Some crossbench proposals called for a fuller inquiry, fair market compensation, ammunition to be covered, and other safeguards.
Who supported it?
The Labor government introduced this bill. In the Senate final vote, support came from Labor, Greens, Australia's Voice, some crossbench members; opposition came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, LNP of Queensland, UAP, CLP.
Introduced in House 20 Jan 2026
Passed House 20 Jan 2026 Aye 96 No 45
Passed Senate 20 Jan 2026 Aye 38 No 26
Became law 21 Jan 2026
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 21 Jan 2026
Final passage
Recorded final vote
2 counted final-passage votes were recorded.
Passage speed
Same day
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
What does this bill do?
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It would ban imports of violent extremist material and goods that show or contain banned symbols.
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It would set up a national gun buyback for surplus guns and guns that would become newly restricted.
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It would set up federal gun background checks to help states and territories use Commonwealth security and crime information when deciding gun licences.
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It would make it a crime to use phone or internet services to deal with guns or material for making guns or explosives, or to possess or control that material online.
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It would add a public safety test for imported guns and some weapons. A minister could refuse an import that poses a risk to public safety or ask the importer for more information.
Show source excerpts
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· prohibit the importation of violent extremist material and goods depicting or containing prohibited symbols;
Explanatory memorandum -
· establish the national gun buyback scheme to purchase surplus and newly restricted firearms;
Explanatory memorandum -
13. Part 2 of Schedule 2 would establish a framework that would enable the commencement of Commonwealth background checking. This background checking would support state and territory governments to identify and manage risks to security and the advancement of serious and organised crime, in connection with firearms licensing.
Explanatory memorandum -
· criminalise using a carriage service to deal with firearms and explosives manufacture material or possessing or controlling this material through a carriage service.
Explanatory memorandum -
49. The proposed amendments would establish a new public safety test for firearms and weapons. These tests would be applicable by discretion of the Minister administering the Prohibited Imports Regulations to assess the importation of goods to which regulations 4F and 4H apply (firearms and certain weapons) and consider whether the importation of the firearm or weapon poses a risk to the health, safety or security of the public or a segment of the public, which includes emergency services personnel. The Minister administering the Prohibited Imports Regulations would be required to make rules, by legislative instrument, for and in relation to whether the importation of a firearm or a weapon poses a risk to the health, safety or security of the public or a segment of the public. That Minister may also, at any time, require the person importing the good to give to the Minister any information that the Minister reasonably requires for the purpose of assessing the importation of the good against the public safety tests.
Explanatory memorandum
Context
Broader context for this bill
Australia already had customs controls on objectionable goods and rules for gun and weapon imports, but officials lacked a clear way to block some imports simply because they posed a public safety risk. After the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, this Act widened border bans to violent extremist material and banned symbols, added federal gun checks and a buyback for newly restricted guns, with most changes starting on 22 January 2026 and the buyback provisions on 18 February.
- 14 Dec 2025
Bondi Beach antisemitic terrorist attack drives urgent response
Ministers later identified this attack as the event the 2026 package was designed to answer.
Attorney-General's portfolio media release ↗ - 19 Dec 2025
Government announces nationwide gun-law crackdown after Bondi attack
Measures announced on 18 and 19 December followed National Cabinet agreement to tackle antisemitism, violence, terrorism and gun risks.
Explanatory memorandum ↗ - 13 Jan 2026
Package promises buyback, federal gun checks and online offences
A government factsheet said newly restricted guns would be bought back and intelligence-based checks would help states and territories spot licence risks.
Attorney-General's Department ↗ - 20 Jan 2026
Bill enters Parliament with extremist-import bans and safety test
The bill proposed to stop imports of violent extremist material and banned symbols and let ministers refuse some gun and weapon imports on public safety grounds.
Parliament of Australia ↗ - 21 Jan 2026
Act becomes law and starts in stages
Sections 1 to 3 started on 21 January 2026, most other changes started on 22 January, and the buyback provisions started on 18 February 2026.
Federal Register of Legislation ↗
Legislative route
How did it move through Parliament?
House Senate
Scrutiny of Bills review 19 Jan 2026
It did not raise any new concerns in its published report.
Exposure-draft scrutiny
Scrutiny Digest 1 of 2026Introduced 20 Jan 2026
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
Second reading opened 20 Jan 2026
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Second reading debate 20 Jan 2026
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
House second reading agreed Aye 96 No 44 20 Jan 2026
Recorded vote: 96 to 44.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Consideration in detail debate 20 Jan 2026
House third reading agreed Aye 96 No 45 20 Jan 2026
Recorded vote: 96 to 45.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Introduced 20 Jan 2026
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
Second reading opened 20 Jan 2026
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Second reading debate 20 Jan 2026
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
Senate second reading agreed 20 Jan 2026
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Senate third reading agreed Aye 38 No 26 20 Jan 2026
Recorded vote: 38 to 26.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Intelligence and Security report 20 Jan 2026
It urged Parliament to work across party lines so the response to antisemitism, hate and extremism is effective, proportionate and supports community safety and social cohesion.
Referred; report published
Committee report (20 Jan 2026)Human Rights review 03 Feb 2026
It flagged possible problems for fair hearing rights, freedom of association and freedom of expression.
Deferred in published report
Report 1 of 2026Scrutiny of Bills review 03 Feb 2026
It did not raise any new concerns in its published report.
Considered in published report
Scrutiny Digest 2 of 2026Human Rights review 03 Mar 2026
It flagged possible problems for fair hearing rights, freedom of expression and privacy.
Considered in published report
Report 2 of 2026Key criticism
The main case against this bill
Critics said the bill was being pushed through too quickly and had not been properly checked. They worried the buyback and compensation rules were too vague and could leave lawful gun owners and some businesses out of pocket, while doing little to stop terrorism or extremism. Some crossbench proposals called for a fuller inquiry, fair market compensation, ammunition to be covered, and other safeguards.
Some published scrutiny reports did not raise new concerns.
Buyback payments
Critics wanted buyback payments at fair market value, with ammunition and business losses covered so people were not left out of pocket.
May not work
Opponents argued the changes would not stop another attack and would distract from the real problem.
Lawful owners hit
Some MPs said the bill would unfairly affect lawful gun owners instead of focusing on extremists.
Votes
Recorded votes
How the bill itself passed
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Carried Senate passed the bill
Passed 38 to 26. Support came from Labor, Greens, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, and LNP of Queensland.
Carried
Senate passed the bill
Party Aye / No
Labor 25 / 0
Liberal 0 / 16
Greens 10 / 0
One Nation 0 / 3
Nationals 0 / 3
Independent 2 / 0
LNP of Queensland 0 / 2
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
UAP 0 / 1
CLP 0 / 1
Carried House passed the bill
Passed 96 to 45. Support came from Labor. Opposition came from Liberal, LNP of Queensland, Nationals, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Carried
House passed the bill
Party Aye / No
Labor 88 / 0
Liberal 0 / 16
LNP of Queensland 0 / 16
Independent 8 / 2
Nationals 0 / 8
One Nation 0 / 1
Katter's Australian Party 0 / 1
Centre Alliance 0 / 1
Earlier bill-stage votes
Carried House cleared second reading
Passed 96 to 44. Support came from Labor. Opposition came from Liberal, LNP of Queensland, Nationals, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Carried
House cleared second reading
Party Aye / No
Labor 88 / 0
Liberal 0 / 16
LNP of Queensland 0 / 16
Independent 8 / 1
Nationals 0 / 8
One Nation 0 / 1
Katter's Australian Party 0 / 1
Centre Alliance 0 / 1
Amendments at a glance
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House
Defeated Automatically revoke guns for people on an ASIO watchlist
Moved by Bob Katter (Katter's Australian Party). Defeated 13 to 88. Support came from Nationals, LNP of Queensland, One Nation, and Katter's Australian Party. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Defeated
Automatically revoke guns for people on an ASIO watchlist
Defeated; that amendment did not change the bill.
Party Aye / No
Labor 0 / 87
Independent 6 / 1
Nationals 2 / 0
LNP of Queensland 1 / 0
One Nation 1 / 0
Katter's Australian Party 1 / 0
Centre Alliance 1 / 0
Liberal 1 / 0
Senate
Defeated Change debate limits on the bill
Defeated 28 to 34. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, and LNP of Queensland. Opposition came from Labor and Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Defeated
Change debate limits on the bill
Passing it would have altered debate limits, not the bill text.
Party Aye / No
Labor 0 / 23
Liberal 16 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 3 / 0
LNP of Queensland 2 / 0
Independent 1 / 1
UAP 1 / 0
CLP 1 / 0
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
Defeated Call for fair buyback compensation and proper scrutiny
Moved by David Pocock (Crossbench). Defeated 29 to 33. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, LNP of Queensland, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Greens.
Defeated
Call for fair buyback compensation and proper scrutiny
Passing it would not change the bill text, but would record Senate criticism and demands.
Party Aye / No
Labor 0 / 23
Liberal 16 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 3 / 0
LNP of Queensland 2 / 0
Independent 2 / 0
UAP 1 / 0
CLP 1 / 0
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
Carried Keep secret intelligence rules and end open-ended import permits
Moved by The Hon Bridget McKenzie (The Nationals). Passed 38 to 26. Support came from Labor, Greens, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, and LNP of Queensland.
Carried
Keep secret intelligence rules and end open-ended import permits
Carrying it kept those contested bill provisions.
Party Aye / No
Labor 25 / 0
Liberal 0 / 16
Greens 10 / 0
One Nation 0 / 3
Nationals 0 / 3
Independent 2 / 0
LNP of Queensland 0 / 2
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
UAP 0 / 1
CLP 0 / 1
Defeated Soften gun import rules and require fair buyback compensation
Moved by The Hon Bridget McKenzie (The Nationals). Defeated 28 to 36. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, and LNP of Queensland. Opposition came from Labor and Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Defeated
Soften gun import rules and require fair buyback compensation
Passing it would have weakened several restrictions and expanded compensation obligations.
Party Aye / No
Labor 0 / 25
Liberal 16 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 3 / 0
LNP of Queensland 2 / 0
Independent 1 / 1
UAP 1 / 0
CLP 1 / 0
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
Defeated Require independent review of gun laws and mandatory minimums
Moved by David Pocock (Crossbench). Defeated 29 to 33. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, LNP of Queensland, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Greens.
Defeated
Require independent review of gun laws and mandatory minimums
Passing it would have mandated a later independent review, not immediate rule changes.
Party Aye / No
Labor 0 / 23
Liberal 16 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 3 / 0
LNP of Queensland 2 / 0
Independent 2 / 0
UAP 1 / 0
CLP 1 / 0
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
Defeated Send the bill to a Senate inquiry before adoption
Defeated 29 to 33. Support came from Liberal, One Nation, Nationals, LNP of Queensland, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Greens.
Defeated
Send the bill to a Senate inquiry before adoption
Passing it would have delayed final progress for an inquiry.
Party Aye / No
Labor 0 / 23
Liberal 16 / 0
Greens 0 / 10
One Nation 3 / 0
Nationals 3 / 0
LNP of Queensland 2 / 0
Independent 2 / 0
UAP 1 / 0
CLP 1 / 0
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
Parliamentary debate
Who spoke, and what they said
Start here — lead voices
Sponsor speech Supports
Tony Burke
Tony Burke presents the bill as a critical, comprehensive response to the Bondi tragedy, saying it will address firearms access, intelligence sharing, customs restrictions and extremist conduct.
Read in Hansard ↗ Lead opposing voice Opposes
Malcolm Roberts
Senator Roberts says One Nation will oppose the bill, calling it rushed and shoddy legislation.
Read in Hansard ↗ Lead supporting voice Supports
David Shoebridge
Shoebridge backs the bill as a practical gun-safety response to the Bondi attack, praising the buyback, real-time police information sharing, and tighter customs controls.
Read in Hansard ↗ Lead non-major voice Mixed
Lidia Thorpe
Thorpe welcomed stronger gun laws and said she would move amendments for broader firearms oversight, but said she could not support the bill because she believed the hate-crimes provisions were rushed, discriminatory and a threat to protest rights and due process.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
Labor
7 speakers · 10 contributions · 5 support · 1 mixed · 1 unclear
Labor
7 speakers · 10 contributions · 5 support · 1 mixed · 1 unclear
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Cox Senator Cox strongly supports the bill, arguing that it is a necessary and proportionate response to antisemitic violence, firearm risk, and new digital pathways to illicit weapons.
“Today I speak in support of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, and I do so not only as a senator but as someone who has lived through what major firearms reform looks like when it moves from this place into practice.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Watt Senator Watt strongly supports the bill, arguing it is part of a comprehensive response to the Bondi attack and will improve firearms licensing, buybacks, customs controls, and criminal offences relating to hate and extremist conduct.
“This Bill delivers on the Government's commitment to address the methods of the attack.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Burke ★ 3 contributions Tony Burke presents the bill as a critical, comprehensive response to the Bondi tragedy, saying it will address firearms access, intelligence sharing, customs restrictions and extremist conduct.
Hansard records 3 separate contributions by Burke on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
BILLS - Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Tony Burke presents the bill as a critical, comprehensive response to the Bondi tragedy, saying it will address firearms access, intelligence sharing, customs restrictions and extremist conduct. He clearly urges the House to pass it.
“I commend the bill to the chamber.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗BILLS;Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026;Consideration in Detail - 20 Jan 2026
Burke thanked the member for Warringah and said the issue should be taken into account in firearms licensing, but that it belongs at the state level. He explained that the federal AusCheck process cannot handle the relevant information.
“For that reason, whilst I agree completely that this issue must be taken into account, it's not something that we can do in the federal part of the process.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗BILLS;Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026;Consideration in Detail - 20 Jan 2026
The minister said the government does not support the amendments or the way the proposal is framed, but it does support establishing a national firearms safety council. He also said he had written to Senator Waters confirming the council would be established.
“While the government doesn't support the amendments and the form of doing this, we are in support of establishing a national firearms safety council.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗ -
Sheldon Senator Sheldon supports the bill, arguing it responds to the Bondi terror attack by tightening firearms and customs controls to stop extremists from getting guns.
“I commend this bill to the Senate.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Mulholland Senator Mulholland strongly supports the bill, arguing it will respond to the Bondi massacre by stopping non-citizens from holding firearms licences, limiting rapid-fire guns, and closing loopholes in national firearms controls.
“These are sensible reforms in response to the Bondi massacre. They will protect our community and protect our law enforcement.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Chesters Chesters argued after the Bondi attack that ready access to guns must be prevented to stop violence and protect public safety.
“We have to prevent the ready access to guns by people who do not need them and who will inflict violence with them.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Albanese 2 contributions The Prime Minister says he rises to support the bill as drafted, describing it as sensible reform that will create a national gun buyback scheme and stop noncitizens from importing weapons.
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Albanese on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
BILLS;Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026;Consideration in Detail - 20 Jan 2026
The Prime Minister says he rises to support the bill as drafted, describing it as sensible reform that will create a national gun buyback scheme and stop noncitizens from importing weapons. He also says the legislation should be carried without amendment.
“I rise to support the legislation as it stands before the parliament.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗BILLS;Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026;Returned from Senate - 20 Jan 2026
He strongly endorses the legislation as a united parliamentary response to a deadly antisemitic terrorist attack, saying it advances efforts to combat antisemitism, extremism and hate. He also frames the laws as part of a broader national commitment to social cohesion, mourning and solidarity with Jewish Australians.
“Let's see this as an opportunity for us to unite as a nation, to come together and grieve with our Jewish Australian community and to reaffirm that in this great country of ours, whatever issues we confront, there's still no other country you'd rather be in. That's the nature of our great nation. Light will triumph over darkness. I thank the House—and I thank the Senate as well—for the adoption of these laws.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Coalition
23 speakers · 2 support · 18 oppose · 3 mixed
Coalition
23 speakers · 2 support · 18 oppose · 3 mixed
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McKenzie McKenzie says the coalition is opposing the bill, arguing it scapegoats lawful firearm owners and should be referred to committee with amendments rather than passed as drafted.
“The National Party and the coalition are opposing these laws, and we don't make an apology for that at all, because we know it's not the gun that saw 15 lives lost and Jewish Australians targeted on 14 December, when Australia was confronted with a brutal and senseless act of violence at Bondi.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Canavan Senator Canavan opposed the bill, saying it would not reduce the risk of another terrorist attack and would only take away rights from Australians.
“That's why we should reject this bill.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Duniam Duniam says the coalition supports some elements of the bill, including expanded background checks and customs provisions, but has major concerns about the firearms changes and the rushed process.
“We don't support these matters as they stand today. There are elements of the bill we are supportive of, but we are not supportive of it in total. Unless amendments can be agreed to, we have real reservations around this, and the coalition will not be supporting this legislation.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
McDonald Senator McDonald argues the bill is rushed, unsupported by evidence, and would unfairly target lawful firearm owners rather than criminals or terrorists.
“I urge you to reject this legislation as I will.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Colbeck Colbeck says some measures in the bill could have been agreed on and that, with improvements, it could have been sound legislation, but argues it was developed without proper consultation and has unintended consequences for farmers and sporting shooters.
“There are a number of measures in this legislation that we should have been able to agree on, and there are others that, with some improvement, could have formed some very sound legislation.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Wallace The coalition condemns antisemitism and says it supports strong, proportionate national-security measures, but argues the bill's firearms provisions are poorly constructed, inadequately consulted on, and overly burdensome for lawful owners.
“It's little wonder why we will be opposing this bill in this House.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Cadell Senator Cadell said there are some provisions he supports, including ASIO checks and the national register, but he argued the bill was unfair, rushed and without due process.
“There are definitely things that we support in it, like the ASIO checks and the national register, but there is some stuff in there that has just been in the bottom drawer on a wish list of a bureaucrat who doesn't like guns and wants to get them out.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Littleproud David Littleproud says the Nationals and coalition will oppose the bill, arguing it is a cheap political diversion that demonises lawful gun owners and fails to address the real problem.
“Let me make this clear. The National Party and the coalition will be opposing this bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Chaffey Jamie Chaffey opposes the bill, arguing it was rushed, lacks proper parliamentary scrutiny, and unfairly impacts regional Australians.
“Today, I rise to speak against the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, which has been carved out from another bill that we barely had time to comprehend.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Landry Landry opposes the bill, arguing it wrongly targets farmers, regional Australians and responsible gun owners in response to the Bondi attack.
“I will be opposing this legislation.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Thompson Thompson condemns the Bondi attack and says strong, targeted action against antisemitism and violent extremism is needed, but he argues the buyback and import restrictions in the bill are rushed, poorly consulted and unfair to lawful firearm owners.
“However, we cannot support this firearms bill.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Hogan Hogan argues the bill unfairly scapegoats lawful gun owners and businesses after the Bondi attack, and says the coalition will vote against it.
“The coalition disagree and will be voting against this legislation. We're not going to use law-abiding gun owners as the scapegoats for that terrible Islamic extremist attack in Bondi, but we also want fair compensation for businesses in this country that are going to be very badly affected by this.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Batt Mr Batt opposes the bill, arguing it is not a measured response and that existing laws should be enforced more effectively instead.
“Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (10:08): I rise to speak against the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026. We need to do better and what is right. We owe it to those who lost their lives and those impacted by this attack to get this done in a measured and precise way. We don't have a gun problem; we have a radical Islam problem. I support a national register, but that on its own isn't enough. In my home state, the Queensland government have indicated they won't even be involved in any buyback scheme. We don't need these laws to stop another Bondi. We just need to enforce the laws we already have, with law enforcement agencies working more cooperatively.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Blyth Senator Blyth argues the bill is rushed, poorly drafted, and wrongly targets lawful gun owners instead of addressing extremism and antisemitism.
“For that reason I will not be supporting this bill.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Chester Darren Chester opposes the bill, calling it bad legislation rushed into parliament without consultation and designed to solve a political problem.
“This is bad legislation which has been rushed into the parliament, with no consultation, to solve a political problem for the Prime Minister.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Willcox The speaker strongly opposes the bill, calling it a ridiculous diversionary tactic that will not stamp out antisemitism, hate or extremism.
“Mr WILLCOX (Dawson) (09:44): I rise today to speak against the proposed Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Ley Ley says the opposition worked constructively to amend the bill so it more tightly targets radical Islamist extremism and antisemitism, protects free speech and strengthens parliamentary oversight.
“These changes strengthen the law. They close loopholes and they restore clarity and accountability. The Liberal Party will always strongly defend freedom of thought, freedom of worship and freedom of speech, because those freedoms define who we are as a nation and they must be defended, even when the task before us is confronting hatred and extremism. The Liberal Party will always act to keep Australians safe, defend our freedoms and put the national interest first—as we have in passing this bill. I look forward to the nation pausing tomorrow, on the day of remembrance, to reflect and to unite behind a shared determination to take the strong actions that we know we need to take as a nation to tackle radical Islamic extremism and to eradicate antisemitism. We must unite with determination, focus and overall action.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
McGrath Senator McGrath condemns the bill as a bad law that punishes innocent, law-abiding Australians and says his party will vote against it.
“We will vote against the bill because this bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, punishes innocent Australians when, in fact, what the government should be doing is going after radical Islam.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Price Ms Price says she cannot support the bill, arguing it would punish law-abiding firearm owners while failing to address the real causes of extremism and terrorism.
“Ms PRICE (Durack) (10:22): I cannot support this Albanese firearms bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Wilson The speaker says law-abiding gun owners are being scapegoated and argues the bill would criminalize ordinary sporting-shooting gear and reloading practices.
“I conclude today by saying that I strongly oppose the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, and I will always fight for the rights of law-abiding citizens in my electorate of O'Connor.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Pasin Pasin opposes the bill, arguing Australia does not have a gun problem and that the Bondi attack reflected a failure of leadership to confront antisemitism, not a need for stronger gun laws.
“That's why I can't support these changes in the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Aldred Ms Aldred says she cannot support the bill, arguing it would punish responsible gun owners, sporting shooters and farmers in her electorate.
“Ms ALDRED (Monash) (10:29): I cannot support this legislation, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, which punishes responsible gun owners, sporting shooters and farmers in my electorate of Monash. It is bad legislation and it does nothing to address the real issues that, as a federal parliament, we should be focused on.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Boyce Colin Boyce says he supports the member for Kennedy's motion, arguing it has merit because people on watchlists should not have access to firearms.
“Mr BOYCE (Flynn) (10:54): I rise to support the member for Kennedy's motion. It does have merit. We've just heard the member for Calare articulate that. There are many, many people asking this question. Why did these people have access to firearms when they were on a watchlist? This deserves support.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Greens
4 speakers · 3 support · 1 mixed
Greens
4 speakers · 3 support · 1 mixed
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Shoebridge ★ Shoebridge backs the bill as a practical gun-safety response to the Bondi attack, praising the buyback, real-time police information sharing, and tighter customs controls.
“And, in what is otherwise a toxic mess of a week in this parliament, we're proud to support legislation that will take those important steps for gun safety across the country.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Waters Senator Waters says the Greens back the bill's gun safety reforms after consultation, including stronger firearm controls and data-sharing, but reject the bill's other provisions as rushed, divisive and overly broad.
“After close consultation with gun safety advocates, the Greens confirmed we would back the important gun safety reforms. But we could not support the other parts of the bill, which scapegoat migrants and create wide-ranging, divisive, one-sided laws.”
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Hodgins-May Senator Hodgins-May says the Greens support this bill as a crucial first step in gun reform to reduce harm after Bondi.
“That is why this bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, has the support of the Australian Greens.”
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Steele-John Senator Steele-John says the Greens will support the bill, describing it as commonsense legislation needed to help prevent another Bondi-style attack.
“We owe it to the community to make sure that we are safe from gun violence and that the attacks that we saw in Bondi can never happen again. This bill will make it harder for illegal and legal firearms to fall into the wrong hands, while making sure that those who have a legitimate reason for a firearm can still access them. It is commonsense legislation, and we must now get it done.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
One Nation
2 speakers · 2 oppose
One Nation
2 speakers · 2 oppose
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Roberts ★ Senator Roberts says One Nation will oppose the bill, calling it rushed and shoddy legislation.
“One Nation will oppose this rushed dog's-breakfast bill—the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026—and the second bill coming after it later tonight.”
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Bell Senator Bell argues the bill would punish law-abiding firearm owners and fail to target criminals or extremists.
“One Nation opposes this buyback, and we will keep fighting for common sense and fairness.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Minor parties and independents
8 speakers · 10 contributions · 2 support · 2 oppose · 3 mixed · 1 unclear
Minor parties and independents
8 speakers · 10 contributions · 2 support · 2 oppose · 3 mixed · 1 unclear
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Thorpe ★ Thorpe welcomed stronger gun laws and said she would move amendments for broader firearms oversight, but said she could not support the bill because she believed the hate-crimes provisions were rushed, discriminatory and a threat to protest rights and due process.
“I welcome strengthened gun laws, but, if we're serious about gun safety, accountability can't stop at just civilian firearms. Oversight, tracking and transparency must apply to all guns, including those issued to police, prison guards, security guards and defence personnel. I intend to move an amendment in my name to the motion for the second reading of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, calling on this parliament to implement robust and nationally consistent oversight of firearms.”
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Scamps Dr Scamps moved amendments to insert a National Firearms Safety Council into the bill, with functions covering evidence-based policy advice, data collection, research, and oversight of firearms regulation.
“Dr SCAMPS (Mackellar) (11:04): by leave—I move amendments (1) and (2) as circulated in my name together:”
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Pocock Pocock supports the bill as part of the response to the Bondi attack, especially its stronger information-sharing, background-check and import-control measures.
“I support this bill as part of the response to the attack, but there is much more that needs to be done to combat antisemitism and to combat all forms of hate, and we must never lose sight of that.”
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Gee 2 contributions Gee says he is unable to support the bill and argues it is a rushed political response that unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners.
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Gee on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
BILLS - Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Gee says he is unable to support the bill and argues it is a rushed political response that unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. He acknowledges support for some related reforms, but not for the bill as a whole.
“I am unable to support this bill, and I won't support this bill.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗BILLS;Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026;Consideration in Detail - 20 Jan 2026
He backs the member for Kennedy's amendment, arguing that people known to security services or on a watchlist should not be able to access firearms. He says the issue needs to be brought into the open and that a royal commission is needed.
“That's why we need the royal commission, and that's why I support the amendments made by the member for Kennedy.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗ -
Sharkie Sharkie argues the bill was rushed and improperly scrutinised, and that its firearms provisions are unacceptable because they remove review rights and permit AI-assisted decision-making.
“The bill removes the right to review adverse intelligence findings for firearms licence applicants and allows AI-assisted decision-making, directly contradicting the Robodebt Royal Commission's recommendations. These provisions are unacceptable and must be reversed.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗ -
Steggall 2 contributions Steggall says she will support the legislation, arguing Australia needs genuinely strong gun controls and better background checks while urging the government to go further.
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Steggall on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
BILLS - Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 - Second Reading
Steggall says she will support the legislation, arguing Australia needs genuinely strong gun controls and better background checks while urging the government to go further. She also criticizes the process and says the bill should be strengthened, but clearly backs its passage.
“This is not the USA; this is Australia. We want genuinely strong gun controls. While I will support this legislation, I urge the government to go further and ensure that background checks properly assess the risk and safety of all Australians.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗BILLS;Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026;Consideration in Detail - 20 Jan 2026
Steggall moved amendments to broaden firearms background checks so domestic violence orders and related history could be considered, arguing the bill should better protect Australians, especially women, from access to guns by people with violent histories. She criticized the bill as drafted and commended her amendments to the House.
“It is not acceptable that dangerous men or women have access to firearms when we have a domestic violence crisis. I do not understand why, if we are bringing legislation forward after the tragedy of the Bondi terrorist attack, we should not also be ensuring all Australians are safe, and that should include women being safe from domestic violence. I commend these amendments to the House to ensure that people should not be able to have access to licensed firearms if they have a violent history, especially in respect of domestic violence.”
Read this contribution in Hansard ↗ -
Katter Katter moved an amendment to automatically revoke firearms from anyone placed on an ASIO watchlist, arguing authorities failed to disarm a dangerous person after 15 Australians were killed.
“When this person was put on an ASIO watchlist, there was no effort made to remove registered high-powered firearms from that person, so the people who were enforcing the ASIO watchlist are the second group of people who were responsible in the end for the deaths of 15 innocent Australian people.”
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Haines Haines supports the member for Mackellar’s amendments and says the key aim is to close gaps in national gun laws that let people with criminal intent obtain firearms.
“So I support legislation which does that. I support what the member for Mackellar is trying to do.”
Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
Full record
- Act title
- Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Act 2026
- Act number
- Act No. 1, 2026
- Became law
- 21 Jan 2026
- Takes effect
-
- sections 1 to 3 and anything else not separately listed 21 Jan 2026
- Schedule 1 22 Jan 2026
- Schedule 2, Parts 1 to 6 22 Jan 2026
- Schedule 2, Part 7 18 Feb 2026
- Schedule 3 22 Jan 2026
- Registered
- 21 Jan 2026
- Administered by
- Department of Home Affairs
- No instruments are listed on the Act’s official Authorises tab at the time of generation.
- Introduction to passage
- 0 calendar days -- Introduced on 20 Jan 2026 and passed both Houses on 20 Jan 2026.
- Introduction to assent
- 1 calendar day -- Royal assent followed on 21 January 2026.
- Recorded divisions found
- 10 -- Recorded divisions were found in House of Representatives and Senate.
- Second-reading speech summaries captured
- House of Representatives, Senate
- Same-day passage through both Houses
- Yes -- The bill cleared the House on 20 Jan 2026 and the Senate on 20 Jan 2026.
- 20 Jan 2026
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
- 20 Jan 2026
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
- 20 Jan 2026
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
- 20 Jan 2026
House · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 96 to 44.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
- 20 Jan 2026
House · Consideration in detail debate
Consideration in detail debate
- 20 Jan 2026
House · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 96 to 45.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
- 20 Jan 2026
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
- 20 Jan 2026
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
- 20 Jan 2026
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
- 20 Jan 2026
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
- 20 Jan 2026
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 38 to 26.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills
Exposure-draft scrutiny
It did not raise any new concerns in its published report.
Considered by scrutiny committee (19 Jan 2026): Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills; Exposure draft of Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026; Scrutiny Digest 1 of 2026
Scrutiny Digest 1 of 2026Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
Referred; report published
It urged Parliament to work across party lines so the response to antisemitism, hate and extremism is effective, proportionate and supports community safety and social cohesion.
Referred to Committee (12 Jan 2026): Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security; Exposure draft of Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026; Committee report (20 Jan 2026)
Committee report (20 Jan 2026)Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights
Deferred in published report
It flagged possible problems for fair hearing rights, freedom of association and freedom of expression.
Report 1 of 2026; Defer
Report 1 of 2026Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills
Considered in published report
It did not raise any new concerns in its published report.
Scrutiny Digest 2 of 2026; Bill No Comment
Scrutiny Digest 2 of 2026Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights
Considered in published report
It flagged possible problems for fair hearing rights, freedom of expression and privacy.
Report 2 of 2026; Ministerial Advice Only
Report 2 of 2026