Australian state to launch gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack

What the report says

New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, is set to begin a firearm buyback later this year in response to the Bondi Beach attack that killed 15 people last December. According to BBC World News, the scheme will make NSW the first jurisdiction in the country to offer cash in exchange for guns after the assault at a Jewish festival near Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

Under the plan, gun owners will be able to surrender eligible handguns, shotguns and rifles from 2 November, with payments of up to A$1,000 for certain firearms. The program is intended for people who now hold more weapons than allowed under updated state rules or who are no longer covered by a licence. NSW has already tightened ownership rules, limiting most people to four firearms, with some exceptions for farmers and sports shooters.

State Premier Chris Minns said the goal is to have weapons handed in, compensated for and destroyed. He suggested the measure could lead to a large number of guns being surrendered. The buyback will be rolled out in two stages, with a second phase early next year covering higher-value firearms. The plan is jointly funded by NSW and the federal government.

The BBC said the reforms form part of a wider policy response after the attack, which authorities have described as antisemitic terrorism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said national gun reform is needed to help prevent a similar attack from happening again. As background, Australia has a long history of firearm restrictions and buybacks, though earlier nationwide plans were delayed over funding and implementation issues.