The new national gun buyback scheme is here. Here's the compensation on offer
The federal and NSW governments have reached a deal on a gun buyback scheme for the state following the 2025 Bondi shooting massacre.
A new federal-state gun buyback scheme is underway in Australia following the Bondi shooting massacre, with the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments sharing the costs. The scheme, set to begin on November 2, 2026, will provide financial compensation for various types of firearms surrendered. NSW introduced stricter gun laws after the December 2025 attack, including limiting gun ownership, reclassifying certain weapons, and reducing license periods.
The buyback aims to address the impact of these new laws, estimated to affect up to 274,000 firearms or 24% of registered guns in NSW. The Commonwealth contributes 50% to administration costs and fully funds the destruction of surrendered weapons. Some states, including Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania, have rejected the scheme, while Western Australia, South Australia, and the ACT are still in negotiations.
Queensland and Victoria rejected the scheme outright, while Western Australia, South Australia, and the ACT have expressed willingness to participate, although with reservations. Opposition from political parties, like One Nation, has also been voiced, with some arguing that law-abiding gun owners should not be penalized.
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