Australian Leaders Move Toward Stricter Firearm Regulations

(MENAFN) Following the fatal mass shooting in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Monday that he plans to raise the issue of "tougher gun laws" during a national Cabinet meeting scheduled for later in the day.

The attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 16 individuals, including 15 civilians and one of the attackers. Authorities confirmed that 42 people were still receiving medical treatment in hospitals after the incident.

Earlier statements from Australian police revealed that the two alleged shooters were related, identified as a father and his son. Investigators also clarified that there is no active search for further suspects connected to the attack.

Officials reported that the father died at the location of the shooting, while the son survived and is currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Addressing the media, Albanese emphasized that the federal government "is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws."

He explained that proposed discussions would cover restrictions on how many firearms an individual may possess or be authorized to use, as well as periodic reassessments of gun permits.

"Licenses should not be in perpetuity, and checks, of course, making sure that those checks and balances are in place as well," he added.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns echoed the call for reform, stressing that firearm regulations must be strengthened to prevent a recurrence of such violence.

"It does require legislation. It means introducing a bill to Parliament, making it more difficult to get these horrifying weapons that have no practical use in our community," Minns said during a press briefing, as reported by a broadcaster.

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