New South Wales to Launch Major Gun Buyback Following Bondi Beach Attack

New South Wales will begin a gun buyback program on November 2 as part of a response to a deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns announced the scheme, which is the largest of its kind in Australia in 30 years. The program follows a December 14, 2025, attack at a Hanukkah celebration where two gunmen killed 15 people and injured dozens. Police identified the attackers as a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram, noting the attack was inspired by ISIL. Sajid Akram was shot by police, while Naveed Akram remains in custody facing 15 counts of murder.

The buyback will occur in phases. In the first phase, the government will pay up to 1,000 Australian dollars for revolvers and rifles, with lower amounts for semi-automatic handguns and shotguns. A second phase starting in early 2027 will provide compensation for higher-value firearms, capped at 10,000 dollars per weapon. The federal and state governments will jointly fund the acquisition and administration costs. The program targets firearms that are now banned or exceed new ownership limits. New South Wales has tightened its laws to generally restrict individuals to owning no more than four firearms, though exceptions exist for farmers and professional shooters.

While the government frames the measures as essential for public safety and the prevention of future antisemitic terror attacks, the plan faces political opposition. Opposition leader Kelly Sloane questioned the total cost of the scheme and argued that fixed payments do not reflect market values. Additionally, the Nationals have introduced a Senate bill to repeal the federal firearms crackdown, describing the legislation as an unnecessary kneejerk reaction.