New South Wales launches gun buyback in wake of Australia's Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre

Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, will begin a gun buyback scheme in November, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The reform follows a mass shooting at Bondi Beach last December, which killed 15 people, making it one of the nation's deadliest modern attacks. The gunman, Sajid Akram, and his father Naveed, a father-son duo, are accused of the heinous act.

In response, New South Wales authorities pledged a series of gun control measures, including the buyback scheme. Albanese stated that the government aims to make sure such antisemitic terrorist attacks do not happen again, emphasizing the need for meaningful nationwide gun reform. Under the new rules, individuals can own no more than four guns, with exemptions for farmers.

Those with excess weapons will receive compensation of up to US$700 per gun, with costs shared between federal and state governments. State Premier Chris Minns highlighted that hundreds of thousands of guns could potentially be returned, destroyed, and made safer. Despite initial plans for a nationwide buyback, the initiative has faced challenges due to disagreements over funding and implementation.