Australian state to launch gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack

New South Wales will begin a firearms buyback initiative in early November, becoming the first Australian state to offer cash payments for weapons in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack. Gun owners in NSW will be eligible to receive up to AUS$1,000 (£523) for surrendering qualifying handguns, shotguns and rifles, with the program opening on 2 November. The move follows a pledge by Australian authorities to overhaul firearm laws after 15 people were shot dead at a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December 2023. State Premier Chris Minns declared on Saturday, “We privation those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed.” He added that the measure could lead to the surrender of hundreds of thousands of firearms. Existing NSW regulations already limit most individuals to four firearms, although farmers and sport shooters may possess up to ten. The buyback targets owners who exceed those limits or whose licences have lapsed; licence terms have been shortened from five years to two years. The scheme will roll out in two stages. The first phase, starting at the beginning of November, covers handguns, shotguns and rifles. For example, a revolver will net AUS$1,000, while an air firearm will bring AUS$450. A second phase slated for early next year will address “higher‑value firearms” valued above AUS$3,000, with payments capped at AUS$10,000. The National Gun BuyBack Scheme is financed jointly by the New South Wales government and the federal administration. Businesses may apply for up to AUS$25,000 in funding to help them adjust to the reforms, and similar assistance will be available to gun dealers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “We indispensable bash everything we tin to marque definite the antisemitic violent onslaught successful Bondi doesn't hap again.” He followed with, “That includes meaningful nationwide weapon reform.” On 14 December 2023, 15 victims—including a 10‑year‑old girl and a Holocaust survivor—were killed during Hanukkah celebrations near Australia’s most famous beach. Although officials originally envisaged a nationwide buyback, the plan has been postponed due to funding uncertainties and implementation questions.