During an emergency session of the state parliament, Minns announced a set of reforms he aims to have enacted before the holiday season. These reforms focus on tightening control over high-risk weapons, enhancing the regulations surrounding licenses, storage, and monitoring across the state.

“This legislative change is likely to face opposition both within parliament and from the public,” Minns stated. He acknowledged that some community members feel the proposed measures are excessive but emphasized their necessity for ensuring the safety of New South Wales residents.

Minns described the new laws as “extraordinary measures,” underlining their importance in preventing future incidents of gun violence in the state.

“On many of the measures that we are proposing, I’ve heard members of the public say that we have gone too far, but I’d strongly believe that these changes to law and legislation in NSW are fundamentally important to keep the people of this state safe.”

Minns acknowledged the new laws were “extraordinary measures” but said they were crucial in protecting NSW residents from more gun violence.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said she has no doubt similar changes will be adopted by other Australian states and territories.

“Reducing the number of those, particularly for recreational shooters, I think is reasonable,” Catley said.

“We know that many are good law-abiding gun licence holders.

“We know that. But, we also have to acknowledge the harm that can be caused by guns and for that reason, we have introduced these legislative reforms.”

Tough new laws will also ban public displays of terrorist symbols, outlaw incitement to violence – including the phrase “globalise the infitada” – and give police stronger powers during public assemblies.

“We cannot pretend that the world is the same as it was before that terrorist incident on Sunday,” Minns added.

“This is a huge burden that we feel on our shoulders and it will require legislative and further reforms early next year.”

Chief executive of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation Sarah Davies spoke on behalf of Walter Mikac, who lost his family in the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting.

Davies said that Mikac welcomed the NSW government’s swift response to changing firearm laws.

“The people of NSW expect their gun laws to be as strong as possible and today, the Minns government has taken important steps to meet that responsibility,” she said.

“Like all Australians, my heart is with the families of the victims, the survivors and Australia’s Jewish community.

“I stand in love and in solidarity with all those affected by this unspeakable violence. I know the life-long cost of violence and loss.”