Australian state to launch gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack

New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, is set to begin a gun buyback scheme following the Bondi Beach terror attack that left 15 people dead. The scheme, launching on November 2nd, offers up to AUS$1,000 (£523) for the surrender of eligible firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Premier Chris Minns stated that the goal is to ensure the safe destruction of these weapons.

The state's gun ownership regulations already restrict individuals to owning a maximum of four firearms, although farmers and sports shooters can possess up to ten. The buyback will take place in two phases, initially covering standard firearms and later targeting more valuable ones worth over AUS$3,000, with a cap of AUS$10,000.

Both the state and federal governments are jointly funding the initiative, with additional support for businesses and gun dealers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the necessity of comprehensive nationwide gun reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The attack on Bondi Beach, which took place during Hanukkah celebrations, resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor.