New South Wales (NSW), Australia's most populous state, will introduce a gun buyback program later this year, becoming the first state to offer financial compensation for firearms following the Bondi Beach terror attack. Gun owners in NSW will have the opportunity to receive up to AUS$1,000 (£523) for handing over eligible handguns, shotguns, and rifles starting November 2.
Australian authorities had committed to significant firearm law reforms after 15 people were killed in an attack on a Jewish festival near Sydney's Bondi Beach in December. NSW Premier Chris Minns stated the goal is to have these guns surrendered, compensated, and destroyed.
The state's new gun ownership regulations limit individuals to owning four firearms, though exceptions exist for farmers and sports shooters who may possess up to 10. The buyback scheme is designed for those who own more weapons than permitted by the updated rules or whose licenses are no longer valid, as license terms have been shortened from five years to two.
The program will be executed in two phases. The initial phase, commencing in November, will focus on specific types of handguns, shotguns, and rifles. For example, a surrendered revolver could yield AUS$1,000, while an air rifle might be valued at AUS$450. The second phase, expected in early next year, will address "higher-value firearms" valued above AUS$3,000, with compensation capped at AUS$10,000.
The National Gun BuyBack Scheme is a joint initiative funded by both the New South Wales and federal governments. Businesses affected by the reforms will be eligible for up to AUS$25,000 in support, with assistance also being provided to gun dealers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to prevent a recurrence of the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi, stating that "meaningful nationwide gun reform" is part of the effort. The attack on December 14 resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including a child and a Holocaust survivor, during Hanukkah celebrations.