New South Wales to Launch Gun Buyback After Bondi Beach Tragedy

Australia’s most populous state will launch a gun buyback scheme later this year, becoming the first to offer cash in exchange for firearms in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

From 2 November, gun owners in New South Wales will be offered up to AUD 1,000 (£523) to hand over eligible handguns, shotguns and rifles. The offer comes as authorities pledge sweeping firearm law reforms after 15 people were shot dead at a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December.

Premier Chris Minns explained the plan: “We want those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed.” He said the move could see hundreds of thousands of guns surrendered.

Reforms already limit individuals to a maximum of four firearms, though farmers and sports shooters may own up to 10. The buyback will target owners who have more weapons than permitted or who are no longer covered by a licence, with the licence term reduced to two years.

The scheme will roll out in two phases. The first, starting in November, covers handguns, shotguns and rifles – a revolver, for example, will fetch AUD 1,000, while an air rifle will get AUD 450. The second phase, beginning early next year, will cover higher‑value firearms above AUD 3,000, capped at AUD 10,000.

The National Gun BuyBack Scheme is jointly funded by New South Wales and the federal government. Businesses can receive up to AUD 25,000 to adjust to the reforms, with additional support offered to gun dealers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We must do everything we can to ensure the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi does not happen again” and called for meaningful nationwide gun reform.

On 14 December last year, 15 people—including a 10‑year‑old girl and a Holocaust survivor—were killed as Hanukkah celebrations took place near the world‑famous beach. Australian authorities had initially planned a nationwide buyback, but funding and implementation details delayed the program.