Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The House considered amendments to the bill during consideration in detail. Zali Steggall moved to include domestic violence history in federal firearms checks, but Tony Burke argued this fell under state jurisdiction, and the amendment was negatived. Bob Katter proposed automatic firearm revocation for those on ASIO watchlists, supported by Andrew Gee and Colin Boyce, but opposed by Anthony Albanese who defended the existing legislative framework; this amendment also failed. Sophie Scamps moved to establish a National Firearms Safety Council, which Helen Haines supported. Although the government did not support the specific amendment, Tony Burke announced the establishment of such a council. The amendments were negatived, and the bill was agreed to.

   Outcome: The amendments were negatived and the bill was agreed to.

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2. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on the government's proposal to strengthen firearms laws and introduce a national buyback scheme in response to the Bondi terrorist attack. The government argued the bill addressed the method of the attack by integrating intelligence into licensing and reducing firearm numbers, while opposition members and independents largely opposed it as a rushed, politically motivated diversion that punished lawful owners without addressing radical extremism. Key concerns included inadequate compensation, lack of consultation, and the exclusion of state governments from the buyback framework. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 96 to 44.

   Outcome: The bill passed the House of Representatives with a division result of 96 votes in favour and 44 against.

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3. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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5. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate
   See who spoke

6. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, which proposed a national gun buyback, stricter licensing, and import restrictions in response to the Bondi attack. Government senators argued the measures were essential to prevent future tragedies, while Opposition and crossbench members criticized the legislation as rushed and unfairly targeting law-abiding gun owners. Greens and Independent senators supported the gun safety aspects but opposed broader hate speech provisions, whereas Coalition and One Nation senators rejected the bill entirely. Amendments were moved to refer the bill to committee and address concerns regarding compensation and oversight.

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