Australia's government is starting a big program to buy back guns. They will also make new laws against hate speech. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced these plans on Friday. This is after a terrible shooting at Bondi Beach last Sunday. Fifteen people died and many others were hurt.
The Bondi Beach shooting happened at a Jewish festival. It has caused people to talk again about gun rules. It also brings up worries about extremist ideas spreading. The government wants to get rid of many guns. They also want to stop hateful words that can lead to violence.
A main part of the plan is the gun buyback program. Government groups will buy many types of guns. This includes extra guns, new banned guns, and illegal guns. The money for this program comes from the federal and state governments. They are each paying half. Many thousands of guns are expected to be collected. Then, they will be destroyed.
Prime Minister Albanese said buying back guns is important. He said it is "a piece of that puzzle" to reduce guns. He was worried that one attacker had a gun license and six guns. Albanese said there is "no reason" for someone to need so many guns. Many Australians are concerned. They worry there are now more guns than after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. That event also led to new gun laws.
The government is also making new laws about hate speech. People who spread hateful messages will get penalties. The Home Affairs Minister can cancel or refuse visas for these people. A special team will also work against antisemitism in schools. This is good news for Jewish groups. The new laws will also punish religious leaders who promote violence. A new federal crime of "aggravated hate speech" will be created.
The Bondi Beach attack led to Naveed Akram being charged. He faces 59 charges. These include murder and a terrorist act. The government's plan aims to make Australia safer. They want to lower the chance of mass shootings. They also want to create a more welcoming society. It will be important to see if these measures stop future violence.