Premier says gun buyback 'a price worth paying', will fight for it at the ballot
The premier and Prime Minister have heralded the move as "taking guns off the street" in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack last year.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have jointly unveiled a gun buyback scheme, surpassing the size of the post-Port Arthur massacre initiative. This legislation, enacted in response to the December Bondi Beach terror attack, targets a quarter of the state's 1.2 million gun owners. The premier declared his resolve to champion the cause during the upcoming electoral process if the NSW Liberals and One Nation persist in their opposition to the laws.
The scheme aims to retrieve an estimated 274,000 firearms, a feat surpassing the previous buyback in scope. Starting November 2, individuals exceeding firearm possession limits can surrender their weapons for up to $1000, escalating to a $10,000 cap for high-value firearms. These reforms constitute phase one of post-Bondi Beach terror attack measures, which are contested by One Nation, who intend to abolish them should they assume office.
Minns vowed to engage in a potential election battle over the issue, emphasizing its significance for NSW. The financial burden of the scheme could reach hundreds of millions of dollars, though the exact cost remains uncertain. Albanese commended the joint state and federal initiative, criticizing other states for their outdated firearms legislation.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley warned that the changes would affect approximately a quarter of the state's 1.2 million firearms license holders. NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane criticized the government for failing to address legitimate concerns about the buyback scheme, citing potential unintended consequences.
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