Australia: New South Wales starts gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack

Following the antisemitic attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the Australian state of New South Wales has announced a buyback program for banned firearms. The initiative, set to begin in November, allows gun owners to surrender their prohibited pistols and rifles in exchange for compensation. The move comes eight months after the attack, which was one of the deadliest in Australia's recent history. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the plan, stating that other states will follow suit in implementing similar measures. The attack occurred on December 14, 2025, during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. A 50-year-old man named Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Police shot dead Sajid Akram during the incident. His son is currently in custody and faces charges including 15 counts of murder. The attack sparked widespread outrage and prompted immediate calls for stricter gun control measures across the country. In response to the tragedy, New South Wales tightened its firearm laws. Under new regulations, individuals can possess no more than four firearms, with exceptions made for farmers. Those who exceed this limit are now required to surrender their additional weapons. The government has allocated up to 1,000 Australian dollars per weapon, approximately 612 euros, as compensation. The costs associated with the buyback program will be shared between the state government and the federal government. Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, emphasized the importance of removing dangerous weapons from circulation. He stated that the goal is to ensure these firearms are surrendered, compensated, and then securely destroyed. The program aims to reduce the number of high-risk weapons in the community, thereby enhancing public safety. Minns described the initiative as ambitious but straightforward, focusing on reducing the threat posed by illegal firearms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated the need for comprehensive national reforms to prevent such attacks from occurring again. He highlighted the necessity of addressing the root causes of gun violence and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect citizens from future threats. The implementation of the buyback program had faced delays due to disputes over funding and logistical challenges. However, the government has now resolved these issues and moved forward with the plan. The attack at Bondi Beach has had lasting effects on both the victims' families and the broader community. Survivors have spoken out about the trauma they endured, while local leaders have called for stronger legislative action. Community organizations have also been involved in advocating for increased security measures around public spaces and religious sites. The incident has reignited debates about gun control policies across Australia, with many arguing that further restrictions are needed to prevent similar tragedies. The buyback program represents a significant step in New South Wales' efforts to enhance public safety following the attack. While the initial focus is on the state level, there are indications that other Australian states may adopt similar measures in the coming months. The success of the program will depend on effective implementation and sufficient funding to cover the costs associated with compensating gun owners and destroying the collected weapons. The government has committed to monitoring the progress of the buyback initiative and making adjustments as needed to ensure its effectiveness.