Exchange of fire as Liberals vow to halt gun buyback

The NSW opposition has introduced plans to halt the gun buyback scheme and reverse key firearms restrictions following the Bondi terror attack, drawing criticism from state police. NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane announced the Liberals' proposal to establish a commission of inquiry into firearms crime, pausing the gun buyback program scheduled to commence on November 2.

The buyback aims to compensate licence holders for firearms under new ownership limits and reclassify certain weapons. Sloane claimed the Liberals' plan would address real threats to community safety, including organised crime, gangland violence, terrorism, illegal firearms trafficking, and targeting illegal guns. However, Labor criticized the Liberals for rushing through complex legislation without proper consultation with affected stakeholders, including licensed firearm owners, farmers, sporting shooters, collectors, and firearms businesses.

The NSW Liberals would scrap Labor's arbitrary firearm ownership caps for primary producers and competition sporting shooters who legitimately require firearms. The Liberals would freeze the buyback program until a commission of inquiry completes its work and the government responds to its recommendations. The plan includes increased funding for the NSW Firearms Registry and police commands to target criminal networks, seize illegal firearms, and combat gangland violence.

Maximum penalties for firearm trafficking would be increased from 20 years to life imprisonment, with mandatory jail terms for carrying illegal weapons. NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley responded to the Liberals' plan, labeling it a "stunning backflip" that would increase guns in circulation and remove essential safety protections implemented after the Bondi terror attack where 15 people were killed at a Jewish holiday celebration in December 2025.

Catley accused the Liberals and Nationals of prioritizing politics over public safety, questioning whether they were following the lead of the far-right One Nation party. Catley reiterated Labor's stance that fewer dangerous guns in circulation would lead to a safer NSW.