Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a "whatever it takes" approach to national security, signaling an immediate overhaul of firearm laws following the discovery of explosives at the Bondi Beach shooting site.

The move marks a pivotal shift in Australian domestic policy, placing strict caps on individual gun ownership and ending lifetime licenses—a debate that resonates globally, including here in Kenya, as nations grapple with the dual threats of radicalization and accessible weaponry.

Targeting the Arsenal

Federal authorities confirmed the discovery of an additional firearm and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the scene, escalating the investigation from a shooting to a potential mass-casualty attempt. In response, Prime Minister Albanese announced that the National Cabinet would convene urgently to tighten the country's already rigorous gun control framework.

The proposed measures, set to be tabled at 4:00 PM Australian time, focus on three critical areas:

• Ownership Caps: Strict limits on the number of firearms a single individual can license or possess.
• Periodic Reviews: The abolition of "perpetual" licenses, mandating regular vetting to account for changes in mental health or radicalization status.
• Radicalization Checks: Enhanced scrutiny on license holders who may have been radicalized over time.

"People’s circumstances can change," Albanese emphasized, noting that the privilege of gun ownership cannot be static in a volatile security environment. "Licences should not be in perpetuity."

Political Unity in Crisis

In a rare show of bipartisanship, the opposition Coalition has signaled its willingness to back the reforms. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, speaking to Guardian Australia, confirmed that "everything must be on the table" regarding weapons access.

While stopping short of endorsing specific caps immediately, Ley offered unqualified support for recalling parliament to pass urgent legislation. Her focus extended beyond ballistics to ideology, calling for immediate action against the "scourge of antisemitism" and security threats identified by intelligence agencies.

For observers in Nairobi, the speed of the Australian political response highlights the urgency required when public safety hangs in the balance. "We need to act... with actions, not just words," Ley concluded, setting the stage for a legislative showdown that could redefine Australian security for a generation.