What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill was a response to the December 2025 Bondi terrorist attack, in which 15 people were killed. It sets up a framework for a national gun buyback, lets ASIO and criminal intelligence inform state firearm licence decisions, tightens gun import rules, creates offences for sharing 3D-printed gun blueprints online, and bans imports of extremist material. Labor and the Greens supported it, while the Coalition and One Nation opposed it, and the debate focused on whether gun laws were the right response and how fast the bill was passed.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the attackers used legally held guns, and under these changes they would have held none, since one was not a citizen.
Government and Greens speakers said Australia now has over four million registered guns, more than before Port Arthur, and about 2,000 are stolen each year.
Supporters said sharing ASIO and criminal intelligence with licensing authorities closes a gap, a measure many opponents also backed.
Labor and Greens senators said fewer guns and tighter import rules also lower risks from domestic violence and attacks on police.
The Greens said the Government agreed in writing to set up a national firearms safety council to keep gun laws up to date.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition and One Nation speakers said the attack was caused by Islamist extremism, not lawful gun owners, and the bill unfairly targets farmers and sporting shooters.
Opponents said the bill was rushed, with little consultation and a short inquiry that received over 7,000 submissions.
The Coalition said the buyback lacks fair market value pay and business compensation like 1996, and some states have not agreed to it.
Opponents said criminals will not hand in guns, and limits on online material could catch lawful owners reading manuals or reloading guides.
Independents in both houses backed parts of the bill but moved amendments for domestic violence checks, a later inquiry, a review and fair compensation.
110 speeches by 52 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 20 Jan 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Jan 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 4 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Second and third reading votes. How each party's members voted:
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.