New South Wales will launch a new gun buyback scheme in November as the state moves to implement the next stage of its post-Bondi Beach firearm reforms. The program could affect up to 274,000 registered firearms and around 50,000 licence holders.
The NSW Government has announced a major new gun buyback scheme that will begin on November 2, just weeks before the first anniversary of the December 14 Bondi Beach attack.
Premier Chris Minns said the program represents the “next step” in a broader package of gun reforms introduced after the shooting, which killed 15 people.
The federal government will support the scheme financially, sharing some of the costs with New South Wales.
Hundreds of thousands of firearms affected
The reforms introduced after Bondi significantly tightened firearm ownership rules in NSW.
They include new limits on the number of guns an individual can own, the reclassification of certain firearms, stronger background and eligibility checks, and a reduction in firearm licence periods from five years to two.
The government estimates that as many as 274,000 registered firearms — around 24 per cent of all registered firearms in NSW — could be affected.
About 50,000 licence holders, as well as firearm dealers and businesses, may also be impacted.
Two-phase buyback program
The scheme will be rolled out in two stages.
The first phase will begin on November 2 and will be administered by NSW Police.
It will provide compensation for firearms that exceed the new ownership limits, as well as newly reclassified firearms.
A flat payment will also be available for associated ammunition.
Eligible businesses and firearm dealers will receive an initial support package to help them adjust to the new laws.
Higher-value firearms included in second phase
The second phase will begin early next year.
It will provide a compensation pathway for eligible firearms with an indicative market value above $3,000, with payments capped at $10,000 per firearm.
Further support for affected businesses and industry operators will also form part of the second stage.
Commonwealth to fund destruction costs
The Commonwealth Government will cover 50 per cent of administration costs and fully fund the cost of destroying surrendered firearms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said meaningful gun reform remained essential following the Bondi Beach attack.
He said governments must do everything possible to reduce the risk of a similar tragedy happening again.
NSW first state to begin national scheme
New South Wales will become the first state to begin implementation of the Commonwealth Government’s National Gun Buyback Scheme.
The national program forms part of the federal government’s broader response to antisemitism, hate and extremism.
The NSW scheme is expected to be one of the largest firearm surrender programs undertaken in the state in decades.
For the Minns Government, the objective is clear: remove newly prohibited and excess firearms from circulation, compensate lawful owners and permanently destroy surrendered weapons.
With hundreds of thousands of firearms potentially affected, the program will be a major logistical and political test for both the state and federal governments.
