CANBERRA January 20, 2026 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated his government’s commitment to public safety, posting a video clip from parliament on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “We will do everything it takes to keep Australians safe.”
The 25-second video, shared from his official account @AlboMP, features Albanese addressing the House of Representatives following the passage of landmark legislation aimed at combating antisemitism, hate crimes, and illegal firearms.
In the clip, the Prime Minister highlights the dual focus of the new laws: tackling the “motivation” behind hate-driven attacks and restricting the “method” – specifically, access to high-powered rifles.
“Today, we have passed through this House [legislation] to address motivation and the method [of] antisemitic attack at Bondi,” Albanese states in the video. “Because [perpetrators] had hate in their hearts, but they also had high-powered rifles in their hands. We’re taking action on both – [combating] antisemitism, tackling hate [and] dangerous guns.”
The legislation refers to the **Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026**, which passed the lower house today. Key measures include:
– A national firearm buyback scheme
– Stricter background checks for gun licenses
– Expanded penalties for hate crimes (up to 12 years imprisonment in cases involving religious incitement)
– New powers to ban extremist groups and refuse visas on grounds of hateful conduct
The reforms were fast-tracked in response to a recent terrorist attack at Bondi, described by authorities as antisemitic in nature, which prompted the recall of parliament for urgent national security debates.
Albanese’s post has garnered significant attention, amassing over 34,000 views and hundreds of replies within hours. While supporters praised the measures as necessary for community protection, critics accused the government of overreach.
Comments on the post included calls for the Prime Minister’s resignation, claims of eroded freedoms, and criticism that the laws prioritize “gun grabs” and “vilification” restrictions over addressing root causes like immigration or unchecked extremism.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass following bipartisan negotiations between Labor and Liberal parties.
This development marks a significant escalation in Australia’s approach to counter-terrorism and gun control, building on historical reforms while sparking renewed debate on civil liberties.
Watch video HERE.
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