The Australian government plans the biggest gun buyback scheme in 30 years following the Bondi Beach mass shooting that killed 15 people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would launch the new buyback in response to the attack, describing it as the biggest collection of weapons since the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre nearly 30 years ago. The 1996 massacre, in which 35 people were killed, led to the introduction of Australia’s world-leading gun control laws.
The buyback is being developed alongside a broader tightening of firearm regulations by state and territory governments through national cabinet. Proposed reforms include limiting firearm licences to Australian citizens, strengthening background checks, restricting the duration of licences, and imposing caps on the number of weapons an individual can own.
The government is also accelerating work on a long-awaited national firearms register, first recommended after the Port Arthur massacre. However, officials have indicated the register is unlikely to be operational before 2027.
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