Daily London
Speaking to the media, Minns said his government would tighten gun laws in NSW, but asked for patience as they draft legislation.
“If you’re not a farmer, if you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these massive weapons that put the public in danger and make life dangerous and difficult for NSW Police?” he asked.
Naveed Akram remains critically injured in hospital under police guard.
Minns said current laws, which grant firearms licenses in perpetuity, were “clearly not fit for purpose”.
“We need to make sure the firearms legislation in NSW is fit for purpose,” he said.
“That does mean restricting firearms for the general public, for the people of NSW, but not everybody needs these weapons of mass destruction.
“You don’t need them on NSW streets.”
Speaking alongside Minns, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed Sajid held a firearms licence since 2015.
The license allowed the senior Akram to use guns for recreational hunting, which Lanyon said he did as part of a gun club.
“He had a category A, B licence which entitled him to have the long arms that he had as registered firearms,” he said.
Lanyon was questioned over the license approval process, following revelations the younger Akram was known to ASIO.
“The firearms registry conducts a thorough examination of all applications to ensure a person is fit and proper to hold a firearms license,” Lanyon said.
Asked whether firearms license applicants are investigated over their connections to individuals on authorities’ radar, Lanyon said they “absolutely can” be.
“Depending on the nature of … the association, depending on the nature of the intelligence that’s there, they have to weigh up all of those things in accordance with the Firearms Act,” Lanyon said.
“We do take into account all intelligence that’s available.”
Police raided homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie overnight, and have seized the six firearms licensed to the alleged shooter.
Reports indicate a shotgun and bold-action were fired by the alleged gunmen.
Monns also signalled a “comprehensive” police response and policies to combat antisemitism would be to come.
