Key facts
- New South Wales will launch a gun buyback scheme on November 2.
- Gun owners can receive up to AUS$1,000 for eligible handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
- The scheme is a response to the Bondi Beach terror attack in December.
- The state's premier, Chris Minns, stated the goal is to have guns surrendered, compensated, and safely destroyed.
- The scheme is jointly funded by New South Wales and the federal government.
Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, will introduce a gun buyback scheme on November 2, offering up to AUS$1,000 for eligible handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This initiative follows the December terror attack near Bondi Beach where 15 people were killed.
Premier Chris Minns stated the aim is to have firearms surrendered, compensated, and safely destroyed, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of guns being handed in. The scheme is part of broader firearm law reforms, including a new limit of four firearms per individual, with exceptions for farmers and sports shooters who can own up to 10.
The buyback program will operate in two phases. The first phase, starting in November, will cover specific types of handguns, shotguns, and rifles, with a revolver fetching AUS$1,000 and an air rifle AUS$450. The second phase, scheduled for early next year, will address higher-value firearms, capped at AUS$10,000.
The National Gun BuyBack Scheme is a joint effort funded by both the New South Wales and federal governments. Businesses affected by the reforms will receive up to AUS$25,000 in support, and assistance will also be provided to gun dealers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for nationwide gun reform to prevent future attacks.