New South Wales Implements State-Wide Gun Buyback Following Bondi Terror Attack

The Age reported that the New South Wales government launched its largest gun buyback in three decades. The program follows the December 14, 2025, attack in Bondi. That incident resulted in 15 deaths.

1. The government established a fixed price schedule for surrendered weapons. Payments range from $450 for an air rifle to $1,000 for a revolver or centerfire rifle.

2. The program limits the number of firearms an individual may acquire. License holders may own four firearms. Farmers and sports shooters may own as many as 10.

3. Firearms dealers receive financial support to manage the transition. The scheme provides grants of up to $25,000 and $500 in license fee relief for eligible dealers.

4. State and federal governments will share the program costs. Projections indicate the total funding requirement will reach hundreds of millions of USD.

1. Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce publicly opposed the scheme. They cited concerns regarding individual rights. They also raised issues about the treatment of gun owners who follow the law.

2. Most firearm owners will not receive compensation at market value. Owners of firearms valued above $3,000 may apply for compensation starting in early 2027. This approach differs from the compensation model used after the 1996 Port Arthur shooting.

3. Queensland, Victoria, and the Northern Territory have declined to participate in the national gun buyback scheme.

4. Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have committed to the buyback program. Officials are still negotiating the funding details.