Australia’s largest gun buyback scheme after Bondi terror attack

Consensus Summary

New South Wales is set to launch Australia’s largest gun buyback scheme in 30 years, following the deadly Bondi beach terror attack on 14 December 2025, which killed 15 people. The scheme, a joint effort between the NSW and federal governments, aims to remove approximately 274,000 firearms—about 24% of the state’s registered guns—from circulation. The buyback begins on 2 November, with compensation ranging from $450 for air rifles to $1,000 for revolvers and centre-fire rifles, while a second phase in 2027 will offer up to $10,000 for high-value firearms. The federal government and NSW will split the costs, with the federal government covering 50% of administration expenses and 100% of destruction costs, while the state will match the remaining administration share.

The initiative follows the introduction of stricter gun laws in NSW, including limits of four firearms for most licence holders and 10 for farmers and professional shooters. The buyback scheme is designed to address the new restrictions, compensating owners for firearms they must surrender. The federal government has framed the scheme as a critical step in preventing future terrorist attacks, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizing the need for nationwide gun reform. The scheme’s launch comes after months of negotiations, with the federal government initially missing a March deadline to finalize agreements with states and territories.

Key figures, including NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Albanese, have strongly supported the buyback, positioning it as a necessary measure to enhance public safety. Minns has vowed to defend the scheme at the next election, arguing that reducing gun ownership will lower the risk of future violence. Opposition parties, such as One Nation and the NSW Liberals, have criticized the plan, arguing it unfairly targets law-abiding citizens and fails to address broader security concerns. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has repeatedly opposed the buyback, framing it as an overreach by the government, while farmers and gun dealers have expressed frustration over compensation amounts, with some calling the offers ‘like stealing’ given the high market value of their firearms.

While NSW and the ACT are leading the charge, other states have taken differing stances. Victoria’s Premier Ben Carroll has not committed to a similar scheme, deferring to police advice, and Queensland has outright rejected the measure. Western Australia, which completed its own buyback in January, has expressed openness to a national scheme, but funding and implementation details remain unresolved. The ABC notes that the ACT’s participation is contingent on further negotiations, with compensation and start dates still under discussion. The Guardian highlights that the federal government will provide significant financial support to the ACT, covering 75% of costs and 100% of destruction expenses, but details on how the scheme will operate in the territory remain unclear.

Despite the push for a national buyback, significant challenges remain. The ABC reports that firearm sales have plummeted in some regions, with one dealer citing a 90% drop since the Bondi attack, while another noted an 80% decline in turnover. Critics argue the scheme will disproportionately affect farmers and sports shooters, who rely on firearms for livelihoods, while doing little to curb illegal gun possession. The federal government has framed the buyback as part of a broader effort to address antisemitism and strengthen community safety, but the lack of uniform support from states and territories threatens to limit its effectiveness. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on whether other jurisdictions will follow NSW’s lead or resist further gun reforms.