Federal government’s national gun buyback scheme faces state opposition after Bondi terror attack

Consensus Summary

The federal government’s push for a national gun buyback scheme, proposed after the Bondi terror attack, has stalled due to opposition from half the states and territories. Key states like South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory have rejected the plan, citing existing strong laws or funding disputes, while others like Victoria are delaying decisions pending reviews. The federal government insists on national consistency, arguing the reforms are supported by public opinion and necessary for effectiveness, but critics—including opposition politicians and gun lobby groups—accuse the scheme of overreach and lack of consultation. Western Australia and Tasmania have independently completed or are running their own buybacks, while the federal government’s proposed 50:50 cost-sharing remains contentious. Comparisons to the 1996 Port Arthur buyback highlight the scale of the current effort, though no final cost or timeline has been confirmed. The deadlock underscores divisions between federal and state priorities, with stakeholders on both sides framing the dispute as a matter of public safety versus individual rights.