Global News Podcast

Episode: Australian state passes gun control laws after Bondi attacks

Host: Alex Ritson (BBC World Service)

Date: December 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode covers breaking developments around the aftermath of the deadly Bondi Beach attack in New South Wales, Australia, including the state’s passage of some of its strictest-ever gun ownership and protest laws. Also featured are updates on hunger strikes by Palestine Action members in UK prisons, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem amid the war in Gaza, a historic ship restoration project in Egypt, mysterious Victorian-era shoes washing ashore in Wales, and a unique Italian theatre company embracing actors with mental health challenges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New South Wales Gun Law Reforms after Bondi Attack

• Context: The attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah left 15 people dead at a Jewish community gathering.

• Legislation: The state passed comprehensive new laws:

  • Limit of 4 firearms per person (10 for farmers)
  • Tougher screening and licensing for gun owners
  • Lifetime bans for those associated with suspected terrorists

• Protest Laws:

  • Strengthened police powers to curb protests, especially in the aftermath of terrorist incidents
  • Immediate ban on public protests following a terror act

• Reaction:

  • Pro-Palestinian and other activist groups vow to legally challenge the laws, citing undemocratic restrictions.
  • Criticism from some politicians who argue the new laws unfairly target law-abiding gun owners.

• Notable Quote:

  • “We’re not going to be done until we’ve done everything possible to keep the people of this state safe. And there’s a recognition from this government that hate speech leads to hateful actions.”
    — New South Wales Premier Chris Minns [02:07]

  • “The NSW state government says these new laws are the toughest gun reforms Australia has ever seen.”
    — Phil Mercer [03:18]

  • “A broad alliance of activists, political and community groups are likely to mount a constitutional challenge, saying the laws are unfair and undemocratic.”
    — Phil Mercer [04:10]

2. Honoring Bondi Heroes

• Australian PM Anthony Albanese: Requested a special honours list for those who acted heroically during the Bondi attack.

  • Example: Boris and Sophia Gurman, who died attempting to subdue the attacker.
  • Awards to be announced in 2026, following precedent set after the Bali and MH17 tragedies.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The attack did show us the worst of humanity—hatred, antisemitism, violence. It also showed us the best of humanity—extraordinary acts of bravery and courage.”
    — PM Anthony Albanese [03:00]

  • “There were at least four people who risked their lives to disarm and wrestle with the gunman ... heroism from bystanders, medical staff, the police—many, many heroic actions.”
    — Phil Mercer [05:27]

3. UK: Palestine Action Hunger Strike Escalates

• Situation: Four members of Palestine Action, now a banned group, are on extended hunger strikes while awaiting trial.

  • Two strikers over 50 days without food; severe medical deterioration.
  • Over 2,000 arrests related to the group’s anti-Israel protests; Greta Thunberg was arrested for showing solidarity.

• Family Perspective:

  • “Our loved ones are deteriorating in their health and it is vital that the government respond. They have chosen to ignore us and continue to decline any meeting with us.”
    — Sharmina Alam [07:57]

• Medical Insights:

  • Prof. Mike Stroud discusses the physical progression and ultimate medical risks of hunger strikes, explaining typical survival durations (40–60 days on liquids).
  • Force feeding is a human rights violation unless the prisoner consents and is not generally practiced in UK prisons.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “As long as you're getting liquids, you can withstand usually a minimum of 40 days... usually 50 to 60 days and occasionally longer if you started off overweight.” — Prof. Mike Stroud [10:44]
  • “If they're serious...and their strike, there’s very little that you can do.”
    — Prof. Mike Stroud [12:07]

4. Bethlehem Christmas Amid Ongoing War

• Changes: After years of quiet due to war, Bethlehem marks Christmas with a restored public celebration, including the famous tree at Manger Square.
• Economic Impact: Town remains economically battered by lack of tourism; “festive” atmosphere is tempered by grief as conflict continues in nearby Gaza.
• Gaza’s Christian Community: Hundreds find refuge in Holy Family Church; Hilda Joseph Ayad, a resident, shares both loss and hope.
• Resilience & Hope:
  • “We cannot forget our people in Gaza and we hope for a different situation for them.”
    — Resident [16:39]
  • “We want peace for our people. Our people need their dignity. ... I want them to live life and life in its abundance.”
    — Reverend Jack Sara [19:36]
• Memorable Moment:
  • Hilda’s wish: “The only thing we need is love and peace in Gaza and all the world.” [18:32]

5. Libya’s Army Chief Killed in Turkey Crash

• Event: Libyan army chief, Gen. Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al Hadad, and entourage die in a plane crash after Turkish talks reinforcing military ties.
• Analysis:
  • Talks aimed at maintaining balance between Tripoli’s internationally recognized government and Haftar’s eastern forces.
  • Turkey’s escalating influence in Libya since 2019 discussed by analyst Sebastian Usher.

6. Egypt Restores 4,000-Year-Old Ship

• Project: Restoration of Pharaoh Khufu’s ceremonial boat at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

  • Visitors can witness the restoration process live.
  • Project expected to take four years.

• Notable Quote:

  • “In a unique first...visitors will have a live experience of the ship’s assembly.”
    — Dr. Issa Zaydan [27:46]

7. Hundreds of Victorian Shoes Wash Ashore in Wales

• Mystery: Black leather boots over a century old wash up on two beaches in South Wales, most likely from a century-old shipwreck.
• Local Reactions: Locals speculate about the shoes’ origins, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue.

8. Italian Theatre Company Breaks Stigma

• Teatro Patologico: Roman theatre featuring actors with mental health conditions or learning disabilities, performing classics like Dante’s Divine Comedy.
• Purpose: Empowers participants, promotes inclusion, fights stigma.
• International Success: The company has performed globally and established a university course.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “It represents the possibility of people with disability to be happy, to improve their lives with theater, with art and be part of a great project.”
    — Paolo Vaselli, actor [34:09]
  • “When one boy, one girl, mental illness, feel good, doesn't feel good one person, but feel good, thousands of people.”
    — Dario d’Ambrosi, founder [36:24]
  • “Very often we are forced not to be ourselves. Maybe you are a bit weird, you show your fragilities, but you are yourself, and it’s the best thing.”
    — Paolo Vaselli [37:18]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NSW Gun Reform Details & Premier Statement: [02:07–04:40]
• Special Honours List for Bondi Heroes: [03:00–06:10]
• Palestine Action Hunger Strikes: [07:57–13:12]
• Empty Bethlehem Renewed for Christmas: [14:55–19:55]
• Libyan Army Chief’s Plane Crash & Turkey-Libya Ties: [23:35–27:25]
• Egypt Restores Ancient Ship: [27:26–29:35]
• Victorian Shoes Wash Ashore in Wales: [29:36–32:00]
• Teatro Patologico & Mental Health in Theatre: [33:00–38:15]

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “We’re prepared to take action and steps to keep the community safe.” — Premier Chris Minns [02:18]
• “Extraordinary acts of bravery and courage, acts of kindness for fellow Australians.” — PM Anthony Albanese [03:07]
• “Our loved ones are deteriorating in their health and it is vital that the government respond.” — Sharmina Alam [07:57]
• “You can't actually overrule their desire and put up a drip or force feed them... that would be considered assault and against their human rights.” — Prof. Mike Stroud [11:38]
• “The only thing we need is the love and peace in Gaza and all the world.” — Hilda Joseph Ayad [18:32]
• “When one boy, one girl, mental illness, feel good, doesn't feel good one person, but feel good, thousands of people.” — Dario d’Ambrosi [36:24]
• “Very often we are forced not to be ourselves... but you are yourself and it's the best thing.” — Paolo Vaselli [37:18]

Tone & Style

The episode balances urgency (in reporting the aftermath of a terrorist attack and hunger strikes) with reflection and empathy—particularly in the personal stories from Bethlehem and the Italian theatre group. The reporting is factual, calm, and compassionate, typical of the BBC World Service approach.

Summary

This episode reflects on rapid policy changes in New South Wales following a traumatic attack, the complexity of political and human rights crises in the UK and Middle East, and unique moments of hope and resilience, from public celebrations returning to Bethlehem, to the empowering work of a theatre company in Rome. For listeners, it provides an authoritative update on current global events while showcasing stories of courage, loss, and triumph amid adversity.