New Gun Buyback Initiative in New South Wales Following Bondi Attack

The state of New South Wales is set to launch a groundbreaking gun buyback program, making it the first in Australia to do so after the tragic Bondi Beach terror attack that claimed 15 lives on December 14.

Premier Chris Minns announced that the program, which starts on November 2, will allow firearm owners to surrender their weapons for compensation of up to $10,000 per firearm. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enforce some of the strictest gun legislation in the country, with an estimated 274,000 firearms and 50,000 license holders affected by the reforms.

In addition to the buyback, new acquisition limits have been introduced: most license holders can now possess only four firearms, while certain groups, like farmers and sports shooters, are allowed up to ten. More restrictive licensing will also apply to firearms that reload quickly, such as those with a straight-pull action, although these changes have yet to take effect.

The compensation structure for the buyback will include a fixed price ranging from $450 for an air rifle to $1,000 for center-fire rifles or revolvers. From early next year, owners of firearms valued above $3,000 will be eligible for compensation capped at $10,000. A flat fee will also be provided for any ammunition surrendered.

While the Commonwealth will cover the costs for destroying surrendered firearms, the buyback program and its administration will be funded jointly by state and federal governments, with Minns estimating the total expense to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite the hefty cost, he stated, "It's a price worth paying" to ensure public safety.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of this initiative, declaring it a necessary step to prevent future tragedies like the Bondi attack. However, the buyback program will not be implemented nationwide, as many other states express opposition or lack commitment to similar reforms.

Despite some initial interest from South Australia and Tasmania, which have shown support for a national scheme, progress remains slow. Western Australia recently concluded its own two-year buyback and is eager to participate in a broader initiative.

As the debate continues, leaders like Pauline Hanson of One Nation have voiced strong opposition to the buyback, questioning the necessity of purchasing firearms from law-abiding citizens. Minns stated that this topic will be a significant point of contention in the upcoming state elections.

Source: www.abc.net.au