Australia Announces Major New Gun Buyback Scheme

Australia is poised to enact its largest gun buyback scheme since the response to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, following recommendations from a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack and a separate inquiry into antisemitism. The scheme, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aims to purchase surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms, mirroring the approach taken after the Port Arthur tragedy.

The move comes after a national cabinet meeting where state and territory leaders unanimously agreed to strengthen gun laws in the wake of the October 2023 attack at Bondi Junction, in which seven people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl. The royal commission’s report, released this week, highlighted deficiencies in Australia’s “counter-terrorism capability” and called for bolstered powers to address potential threats.

Bondi Attack and Royal Commission Findings

The Bondi terror attack, carried out by Naveed Akram, prompted a swift review of security measures and gun control policies. The royal commission’s interim report found that hatred had been “normalised in plain sight” and that government hesitation had contributed to fostering antisemitism. The commission’s recommendations extend beyond gun control, encompassing measures to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and address online extremism.

According to a report from 9News, the royal commission also recommended a national gun buyback scheme. The Albanese Government’s plan will see the Commonwealth contribute 50% of the funding, with states and territories responsible for the collection, processing, and compensation to gun owners. The Australian Federal Police will oversee the destruction of surrendered firearms.

Echoes of Port Arthur

The 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 35 people, led to the implementation of the National Firearms Agreement (NFA). This landmark legislation included a ban on automatic and semi-automatic firearms and a subsequent buyback scheme that saw the destruction of over 650,000 weapons. Walter Mikac, who lost his wife and two daughters in the Port Arthur shooting, recently marked the 30th anniversary of the tragedy by reiterating the importance of strong gun control laws.

“Treasure every minute you’ve got with your family,”

Walter Mikac

There were an estimated 3.2 million firearms nationwide when the last buyback scheme was announced in 1996. The current number of firearms in Australia is now estimated to be over 4 million, prompting the Albanese government to act.

National Consistency and Future Reforms

The government is seeking agreement from states and territories to implement ambitious new gun law reforms by March 2026, with legislation to follow by July 2026. A key concern is ensuring national consistency in gun laws, as variations between states and territories can weaken overall effectiveness. The Prime Minister emphasized that “gun laws are only as strong as the weakest state.”

The buyback scheme is part of a broader effort to address gun violence and enhance national security. The government’s response also includes measures to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities and combat online extremism, reflecting the evolving nature of threats in the wake of the Bondi attack.

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