The New South Wales Government is set to launch a major gun buyback program in response to the deadly Bondi Beach attack, as authorities move to strengthen firearm controls and improve public safety across the state.
The scheme is expected to begin on November 2, 2026, with hundreds of thousands of registered firearms potentially eligible to be surrendered. The NSW and federal governments will jointly fund the program, while NSW Police will oversee the collection of firearms.
The move follows the deadly attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, which claimed 15 lives and injured many others. The tragedy prompted renewed national debate over gun ownership, firearm limits and the effectiveness of Australia’s existing gun laws.
Under the new buyback scheme, authorities expect that around 274,000 registered firearms could be surrendered, potentially affecting approximately 50,000 licensed gun owners across New South Wales.
Compensation will be offered depending on the type and value of each firearm. Payments are expected to range from several hundred dollars for some weapons to significantly higher amounts for certain high-value firearms.
The NSW Government has also introduced tougher firearm restrictions, including limits on the number of guns that most licensed individuals can own.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has highlighted concerns about the growing number of firearms in Australia, noting that there are now more guns in the country than there were at the time of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
The government says the central aim of the buyback is to reduce the number of firearms in the community and lower the risk of future gun-related violence.
However, the plan has attracted criticism from some firearm owners, farmers and political groups, who argue that law-abiding licensed gun owners could be unfairly affected.
Government officials have defended the measures, saying public safety must remain the highest priority and that authorities must take every reasonable step to prevent another deadly attack.
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