Australia Launches Historic Gun Buyback After Bondi Attack
Australia is launching a cash-for-guns program in November, offering up to $1,000 per firearm in New South Wales to prevent future attacks.
The update
New South Wales will begin a gun buyback program on November 2, offering cash to owners who surrender firearms. The state is the first in Australia to implement such a scheme following the December 14, 2025, attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration that killed 15 people. The program targets handguns, shotguns, and rifles, paying up to 1,000 Australian dollars per weapon. The federal government is co-funding the initiative alongside New South Wales.
Why it matters
The buyback is a direct policy response to a mass shooting that shocked the nation. It follows the introduction of state laws limiting ownership to four guns per person. The government aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation, citing a record 4.1 million firearms owned in Australia last year.
What to watch
Gun owners with more weapons than the new limit or those with expired licenses are eligible. The program is split into two phases: the first covers standard firearms, while the second, starting early next year, targets higher-value items. The success of the program will depend on how many firearms are surrendered and whether it effectively reduces the risk of future attacks.
Sources
- aljazeera.com — Details on the November 2 start date, compensation amount, and the Port Arthur context.
- bbc.co.uk — Eligibility criteria, phase structure, and business support measures.
