Firearm licence applications have experienced an unprecedented surge across New South Wales following the announcement of stricter gun control measures in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack. Official statistics authorised by the police minister reveal a startling 71 percent increase in new licence applications during the critical period from December 16 to January 16 compared to the same timeframe the previous year.
Explosive Growth in Specific Firearm Categories
The most dramatic increases occurred within specific licence classifications. Applications for Category C firearms, which include certain semi-automatic weapons, leapt from just 15 to 226 applications, representing an extraordinary 1400 percent increase. Meanwhile, applications for permits to purchase additional firearms rose by 33 percent, exceeding 7500 submissions.
The most staggering statistic involves applications for firearms collector licences, which permit unlimited gun ownership under specific conditions. These applications skyrocketed by an astonishing 7000 percent, completely overwhelming previous benchmarks.
Political Reactions and Social Media Influence
Upper House Independent MP Rod Roberts described the situation as "completely a stampede" and stated that "this has just backfired completely." He added that "anybody with any sense of common sense would know that this would happen."
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst pointed to organised campaigns by gun lobby groups, noting "I certainly saw social media campaigns from gun lobby groups, for example, who were pushing people and encouraging people to apply for gun licences."
Legislative Context and Government Response
The surge follows the NSW government's implementation of what Premier Chris Minns described as "the toughest gun laws in Australia," which took effect on Christmas Eve. These reforms were announced just two days after the Bondi terror shootings and include comprehensive audits of existing licences to identify individuals who may have exploited previous regulatory loopholes.
Premier Minns emphasised the government's ultimate objective, stating "I guess our ultimate hope is that we can do everything possible to keep firearms away from unstable or dangerous people."
Impact on Firearms Businesses and Industry
At Safari Firearms in Bexley, owner Gary Georgiou reported that while shelves remain stocked, business has been severely impacted. "We just don't know what to do. We need the government to organise this buyback, to draw a line in the sand," Georgiou told reporters, highlighting the uncertainty facing legitimate firearms dealers.
Ongoing Political Debates and Future Legislation
Meanwhile, in state parliament, concerns have emerged about potential efforts to dilute the newly strengthened regulations. The Shooters Party has reintroduced legislation that would expand hunting access to public spaces and establish a $12.9 million hunting authority, sparking debates about the direction of firearms policy in NSW.
The dramatic increase in applications presents significant challenges for regulatory authorities and raises important questions about the unintended consequences of well-intentioned policy reforms in the emotionally charged aftermath of tragic events.
