The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will officially join the Australian federal government's gun buyback scheme, a move designed to strengthen national firearm safety laws. The decision follows discussions and agreements reached by the National Cabinet, which convened to address issues including antisemitism and firearms restrictions in the wake of the December 2025 shootings in Bondi Beach.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed the territory's participation on Friday, aligning it with an agreement previously made between the Commonwealth and New South Wales. While the ACT had committed to the scheme upon its announcement late last year, the specific terms of the arrangement were finalized this week. The scheme aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation, particularly those deemed high-risk.
Under the agreement, compensation will be provided for firearms that exceed new legal ownership limits or have been reclassified, as well as for associated ammunition. Payments are set to begin on November 2. The Commonwealth will fund 75% of the buyback costs and all firearm destruction expenses, with the ACT government covering the remaining costs.
Approximately 23,000 firearms are currently registered in the ACT, held by over 7,000 licensed owners. It is estimated that around 14% of these license holders may be affected by the proposed new firearm ownership limits. A fixed price schedule will be applied for individuals surrendering firearms that exceed the new legal thresholds.
The federal government will also offer financial assistance to businesses and industry stakeholders to help them adapt to the new regulations. Eligible businesses and dealers can receive grants of up to $25,000 and one-time license fee relief amounting to $500 over two years per dealer.
Owners of higher-value firearms, valued above $3,000, will be eligible to claim compensation capped at $10,000 per firearm starting in early 2027. Chief Minister Barr stated that the agreement is a sensible and practical measure to enhance community safety and support effective firearm reforms within the state. He emphasized that working collaboratively with the Commonwealth and New South Wales creates a more coordinated approach to firearms safety, building upon the ACT's existing stringent firearms laws.