Thousands of guns to be handed over as buyback starts

The NSW gun buyback scheme begins with over 2000 firearms to be turned in to police in the coming weeks. Premier Chris Minns announced the initiative following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach that left 15 dead and numerous injured. The first phase starts on Monday and has already garnered 331 appointments at six police stations. Minns revealed that 2430 guns have been registered for surrender, along with 194 ammunition items.

Only registered firearms are eligible, though unregistered ones can be handed over through a federal amnesty program. Minns emphasized the importance of removing guns from the streets, stating that they are responsible for murders in the state. To participate, individuals must make an online appointment and cannot drop off weapons without one.

Compensation for surrendered weapons ranges from $450 to $1000, payable within ten days. Minns highlighted that Australia currently has more guns in circulation than before the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre, which prompted a national buyback scheme that saw 650,000 firearms handed over after the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history.

The next phase, starting December 1, will add 34 additional police stations to the scheme, with more stations coming online by February. While Minns encouraged other states to join, he expressed a desire for a national scheme, noting that NSW has the toughest gun laws in the country and believes this will enhance safety. Funding packages for the firearms industry, including a one-off payment of up to $25,000 for eligible businesses and licence fee relief up to $500, will be introduced from Monday.

The scheme will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, shared between the NSW and federal governments.