New South Wales launches gun buyback after Bondi Beach massacre

New South Wales will launch a cash‑paid gun buyback later this year, becoming the first Australian state to offer money in exchange for firearms after the Bondi Beach terror attack. From 2 November, gun owners can hand in eligible handguns, shotguns and rifles and receive up to AUS$1,000 per weapon. The scheme is part of the state’s response to the December 2023 massacre that killed 15 people, including a 10‑year‑old girl, during a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

The buyback follows a wave of reforms that cap civilian ownership at four guns, with farmers and sports shooters allowed up to 10. Licence terms have been cut from five to two years, and those who now hold more weapons than the new limits can surrender them. The first phase of the scheme, starting in November, covers common firearms such as handguns and rifles, paying AUS$1,000 for a revolver and AUS$450 for an air rifle. A second phase will begin early next year, covering higher‑value firearms worth more than AUS$3,000, with payouts capped at AUS$10,000.

Both the state and federal governments are funding the programme, with New South Wales offering up to AUS$25,000 in support to businesses that may be affected by the reforms and additional assistance to gun dealers. Premier Chris Minns said the initiative aims to “get those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed,” while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised that the move is part of “meaningful nationwide gun reform” to prevent a repeat of the antisemitic attack.

If the buyback proceeds as planned, it could see hundreds of thousands of guns surrendered, significantly reducing the number of weapons on the streets. The scheme also signals a shift toward stricter gun control in Australia, a country that has long had tight firearm laws. The outcome of this program will likely influence future policy debates and could set a precedent for other states to follow, reinforcing the national commitment to public safety and preventing future tragedies.