Politics Now John Howard's warning to Anthony Albanese
Dec 16, 2025
Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor, dives into the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, discussing its global implications and the distinct nature of this incident in Australia. She highlights John Howard's caution against letting gun control distract from combating rising anti-Semitism. Tingle analyzes Anthony Albanese's handling of the crisis, the proposed gun law reforms, and the limitations of legal measures alone in addressing community issues. The conversation also tackles the tension between immigration rhetoric and public sentiment.
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Australia At The Centre Of A Global Event
- The Bondi Beach attack is unusual for Australia and drew intense global attention as a politically motivated mass shooting.
- Laura Tingle compares it to London Bridge and other overseas ISIS-linked attacks to show its international resonance.
Gun Reform Momentum And Longstanding Gaps
- National Cabinet agreed to bolster gun rules and accelerate a National Firearms Register after the attack.
- Tingle highlights long-standing failures to implement a register despite it being proposed decades ago.
Fix Intelligence And Ownership Records
- Improve information sharing between intelligence agencies and firearm licensing to prevent dangerous individuals gaining weapons.
- Create a register linking firearms to owners and modernise paper-based licence systems to close obvious gaps.