National gun buyback push stalls as another state resists participation

South Australia has declined to join a nationwide gun buyback program, insisting it will not allocate state funds for a scheme that should be entirely funded by the federal government. Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis argues that the state cannot divert resources from essential services and cost-of-living priorities to a program driven by federal politics.

He emphasized that the South Australian model balances the budget, unlike the John Howard buyback, which was fully funded by the Commonwealth. All states are grappling with funding pressures to meet demand for health, disability, and other services. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns unveiled the state's buyback, set to commence in November, marking the only jurisdiction participating in the national scheme.

The scheme follows the Bondi terror attack in December 2022, where 15 individuals were killed. Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory have also rejected participation in the buyback, while Western Australia has already conducted its own gun buyback and has no plans for another. The controversy has reignited debates similar to former Liberal Prime Minister John Howard's 1996 post-Port Arthur buyback, which was also wholly funded by the Commonwealth through a temporary Medicare levy.

Critics argue that Albanese's approach targets law-abiding gun owners and fails to address extremism. Sporting shooters and pro-gun groups are vocal in their opposition to the post-Bondi reforms at both federal and state levels. Independent MP Roy Butler from regional NSW criticized the Minns government for unfairly targeting farmers and sporting shooters in his electorate.

Anti-violence organizations, like the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, support the NSW buyback and continue advocating for stronger firearms laws across other states.