New South Wales (NSW) will introduce a major gun buyback program later this year. The state will become the first in Australia to offer cash to people who surrender certain firearms. The program will begin on 2 November. Eligible gun owners can receive payments of up to A$1,000 for some firearms. The scheme will include handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
The move follows the deadly terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last December. Fifteen people were killed during Hanukkah celebrations at the popular beachfront location. The victims included a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor.
The NSW government has since introduced tighter gun ownership rules. Most individuals can now own no more than four firearms. Farmers and sports shooters can have up to 10 under certain conditions. The buyback is mainly aimed at people who now have more guns than the new limits allow. It will also cover people whose licenses are no longer valid. License periods have also been reduced from five years to two years.
The program will take place in two stages. The first stage will start in November and cover standard firearms. Owners could receive A$1,000 for surrendering a revolver. An air rifle could bring a payment of about A$450.
A second stage is expected to start early next year. It will focus on more expensive firearms. Guns worth more than A$3,000 may qualify, with payments capped at A$10,000. NSW and the federal government will share the cost of the program. The government will also provide financial assistance to affected businesses. Eligible businesses could receive up to A$25,000. Gun dealers will also receive support.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the government wants unwanted firearms surrendered, compensated, and destroyed safely. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said stronger gun laws were necessary to help prevent another terrorist attack. Australia had previously considered a national buyback program. However, the plan faced delays over funding and practical issues. The NSW scheme is now set to move ahead first.
