One Nation candidate backs firearms maker’s push to repeal NSW post Bondi gun laws

Background to NSW post Bondi gun laws

In early 2024 the New South Wales government introduced a package of firearm restrictions after the tragic Bondi beach shooting. The measures banned a range of semi‑automatic rifles, tightened licensing requirements and introduced new storage standards. The legislation was framed as a response to community calls for tighter control of weapons that could be used in mass‑casualty events.

Jeff Bacon and Oceania Precision

Jeff Bacon serves as managing director of Oceania Precision, a boutique firearms manufacturer based in regional New South Wales. The company specialises in high‑quality rifles that are popular with sport shooters and competitive marksmen. Bacon’s reputation in the industry is strong; the state party leader has described him as “my go‑to man on the firearms industry”.

Industry reputation

Oceania Precision has built its brand on craftsmanship, compliance with Australian standards and a focus on responsible ownership. The firm’s catalogue includes bolt‑action and lever‑action rifles that meet the Australian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Act. According to the company’s website, every rifle is produced in accordance with the Australian firearms regulations. The recent ban, however, placed all of the company’s current models on the prohibited list.

One Nation’s political strategy

One Nation’s New South Wales leader, Mike Newman, announced that Jeff Bacon would occupy the second position on the party’s upper house ticket for the March state election. The decision aligns with the party’s broader narrative of challenging what it calls “over‑reaching” gun control measures. By placing a firearms manufacturer high on the ticket, One Nation signals a willingness to represent the interests of rural shooters and small‑scale manufacturers.

Candidate selection and ticket

The ticket also includes federal MP Barnaby Joyce, a vocal critic of the post Bondi legislation. Together, the duo is expected to appeal to voters who feel that the new laws unfairly target lawful gun owners while doing little to address the root causes of violence. The party’s official platform cites “common‑sense” regulation rather than blanket bans.

Arguments for repeal

Bacon and One Nation argue that the bans are both excessive and economically damaging. Their main points include:

• All current rifle models are now illegal, forcing manufacturers to halt production.
• Law‑abiding sport shooters lose access to firearms that are essential for competition.
• The restrictions do not address illegal firearms that are already circulating on the black market.
• Rural communities that rely on firearms for pest control face increased costs and safety risks.

These claims are backed by a report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics which shows a steady decline in firearm‑related deaths over the past decade, suggesting that existing controls are already effective.

Legal and public safety considerations

Legal experts note that any repeal would need to navigate the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) and its amendments. The act allows the state to regulate firearms in the interest of public safety, but it also provides mechanisms for review and amendment. Critics warn that rolling back the bans could send a mixed message about the government’s commitment to preventing future tragedies.

Public health advocates point to research from the World Health Organization linking stricter gun laws to lower rates of firearm homicide. They argue that the post Bondi measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce access to weapons capable of mass harm.

Potential impact on the firearms market

If the bans are lifted, Oceania Precision could resume production of its current rifle lines, potentially creating jobs in regional manufacturing. The company estimates that each model supports up to ten direct jobs and additional indirect employment in supply chains.

However, market analysts caution that a repeal could also create uncertainty for other manufacturers who have already re‑engineered their product lines to comply with the new rules. The Australian firearms industry, while small, contributes several hundred jobs and generates significant export revenue, according to the Australian Government Business Portal.

Beyond economics, the debate touches on cultural attitudes toward firearms in Australia. Since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, the nation has pursued some of the world’s strictest gun controls, a policy widely supported by the public. Any shift in legislation will therefore need to balance economic interests with the strong community desire for safety.

One Nation’s push to repeal the bans reflects a broader political calculation. By championing the cause of a local manufacturer, the party hopes to differentiate itself from the major parties that have traditionally supported the post Bondi framework. Whether this strategy will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but it has already sparked a vigorous public discussion about the future of gun policy in New South Wales.

As the March election approaches, voters will be asked to weigh the merits of tighter regulation against the claimed economic and personal‑freedom costs presented by Bacon and his political allies. The outcome could shape the direction of Australian firearms law for years to come.