Pakistan, Jan. 20 -- Australia's lower house approved stricter gun laws and tougher hate crime measures after December's Bondi Beach shooting. The bills now move to the Senate for final debate. The reforms respond to the attack that killed 15 people and shocked the nation.

The gun laws include the largest national buyback program since 1996 and stronger background checks for firearm licenses. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the attack was carried out by people with "hate in their hearts and guns in their hands." The government emphasized reducing both motivation and access to weapons.

Read more: Australia vows action against extremism after Bondi Beach attack

Anti-hate legislation increases penalties, including up to 12 years in ...