Barwon MP Roy Butler has called for a thorough investigation into the issuing of a firearms licence to the father of the man responsible for the Bondi Beach attack, while urging leaders to address the root causes of terrorism rather than implement knee-jerk gun law reforms.

Mr Butler described the tragic events at Bondi Beach on December 14 as a terror attack fuelled by racism, radicalisation and extremism. "Acts of terror are not limited by method. We have seen cars, explosives, earth-moving equipment, knives and machetes used in attacks. This was an act of hate, and it must be addressed at the highest level," he said.

The Member for Barwon stressed that New South Wales and Australia already have some of the toughest gun laws in the Western world, with 260,000 licensed firearm holders in the state complying with the law every day and posing no threat to public safety. "We cannot conflate an act of terror with lawful firearms ownership," Mr Butler said.

He called for a comprehensive investigation into how a firearms licence was issued to an individual whose son appeared on an ASIO watch list, and how that individual was permitted to apply twice, first in 2015 when the application lapsed, and again in 2023.

While acknowledging the Premier has recalled Parliament, Mr Butler said this was a time for grieving and mourning rather than hasty reactions. "I will work with the Premier and all Members to ensure we do everything possible to focus on the issues of racism, radicalisation and extremism, which is the cause of this attack, not law-abiding firearm owners," he said.

Mr Butler co-sponsored an e-petition against the proposed gun law changes that garnered over 80,000 signatures in just two days. He asked the Premier to separate the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 so the firearm-related aspects could be properly considered at a later date, but his request was refused.

Despite fighting hard with backing from firearms groups such as the Sports Shooting Association of Australia to make changes to the legislation, Mr Butler expressed dismay when the Bill passed the lower house on Monday, December 23. The Bill, which passed 59 votes to 15, bundles together gun control measures, protest restrictions and hate speech provisions.

Mr Butler emphasised that immediate public safety and unity must be the priority, with action taken once investigations by NSW Police and the Australian Federal Police are complete and recommendations are clear.

"We must stand together in solidarity, compassion and resilience. Our shared values of mutual respect, tolerance and the iconic spirit of mateship must guide us forward," he said. "I urge all leaders to unite and send a clear message that we reject extremism and hate."