Australian state passes tougher gun, protest law after Bondi Beach shooting

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns speaking to media next to NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley and NSW Attorney General Michael Daley during a press conference in Sydney on Dec 24. - Reuters

SYDNEY: Australia's most populous state on Wednesday (Dec 24) passed sweeping new gun and anti-terror rules following the mass shooting on Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership, banning public display of terror symbols and strengthening police power to curb protests.

The New South Wales state parliament passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill early morning after the upper house approved the bill ‌by 18 votes to eight during an emergency sitting.