Sydney Jan 20 (V7N) — The Australian government has taken steps to tighten gun control laws following the recent mass shooting at Bondi Beach, with the country’s parliament voting on the issue on Tuesday (January 20). The development was reported by Reuters.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke outlined the key provisions of the proposed legislation, saying the new measures aim to strengthen background checks and reduce the number of firearms in civilian hands.

Under the proposed law, authorities will carry out stricter scrutiny of criminal records before approving firearm purchases. The government also plans to introduce a “gun buyback” program, under which both legal and illegal firearms will be purchased from the public in an effort to curb gun ownership and improve public safety.

The bill has already been passed in the House of Representatives. However, it still requires approval by a majority in the Senate to become law.

Officials say the proposed reforms are part of a broader effort to prevent gun violence and enhance community safety in the wake of the Bondi Beach tragedy.

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