New South Wales is set to launch a significant firearm buyback program, with authorities anticipating that approximately one-quarter of the state’s registered firearms, potentially up to 274,000 weapons, will be surrendered. This initiative follows the rejection of a similar compensation scheme by the governments of Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. The program is slated to commence in November, shortly after the December 2025 terror attack in Bondi.
The decision to implement a gun buyback was influenced by a recommendation in the interim report of the anti-Semitism royal commission. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the measure is part of a broader effort to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing the need for “meaningful nationwide gun reform” in the wake of the Bondi incident. The federal government will fund the destruction of surrendered firearms, while New South Wales and any other participating states will share the administrative costs with the Commonwealth.
State Responses to the Buyback Scheme
Several states have opted out of the federal buyback initiative. The governments of Queensland and Victoria declined to participate. South Australia, after initially expressing support, has since ruled out changes to its firearm laws. The Northern Territory has indicated it will not contribute financially to the program. Negotiations regarding cost-sharing are ongoing with the Tasmanian and Australian Capital Territory governments. Meanwhile, Western Australia concluded its own two-year buyback program in January of this year.
Compensation and Support for Firearm Owners
The New South Wales buyback will offer a fixed payment of $450 for air rifles. More valuable firearms, such as centre-fire rifles and revolvers, will be eligible for compensation up to $1,000. Beginning in early 2027, owners of firearms with a market value exceeding $3,000 can apply for compensation of up to $10,000. Additionally, firearm dealers will be eligible for grants of up to $25,000, coupled with a $500 discount on their license fees.
The context for this buyback includes the Bondi attack, where the perpetrator, Sajid Akram, legally owned six firearms, including those used in the assault. Akram was killed by police during the incident. His son, Naveed Akram, faces numerous charges, including multiple counts of murder, and has not yet entered pleas.
Criticism and Opposition to the Buyback
The buyback initiative has drawn significant criticism from some political quarters. Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, has described the scheme as unfairly targeting law-abiding gun owners while failing to address what she termed “radical Islam,” which she identified as the root cause of the Bondi massacre. Senator Hanson argued that the focus should be on individuals rather than the firearms themselves, lamenting the potential loss of heirloom weapons and questioning the taxpayer expense, estimated to be over a billion dollars.
The federal Nationals party also intends to introduce legislation to counter the gun buyback. Party leaders, including Matt Canavan and Bridget McKenzie, have characterized the laws as a “kneejerk and unnecessary” reaction that lacked proper consultation. They contend that the legislation unfairly penalizes nearly one million farmers, collectors, target shooters, and pest control volunteers. Senator McKenzie pointed to the anti-Semitism royal commission’s interim report, which she stated found no existing legal gaps that contributed to the Bondi attack. She argued that the perpetrators should not have had access to firearms under existing laws, and that the current measures unfairly punish responsible firearm owners.
Nationals’ Proposed Legislation
The Nationals’ proposed bill aims to revert firearm laws to their pre-January status, while retaining changes related to hate symbols and background checks. Senator Canavan asserted that the royal commission’s findings undermine the justification for the government’s legislation, emphasizing that the issue lies with how individuals obtained firearms illegally, rather than a deficiency in laws governing legal owners.
Conclusion
The New South Wales firearm buyback represents a substantial effort to reduce the number of firearms in circulation, prompted by a significant national security event and a royal commission recommendation. While the federal and state governments are funding and administering the program, it faces considerable opposition from some political parties and firearm owner groups who argue it unfairly burdens law-abiding citizens and fails to address the core issues behind violent acts. The differing responses from state governments highlight the complex and often contentious nature of firearm regulation in Australia.
