Canberra to join Australia gun buyback after Bondi attack

Canberra will participate in Australia’s nationwide gun buyback program as part of a broader effort to prevent future mass shootings, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Saturday. The decision follows a deadly attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney, where 15 people were killed during a shooting spree on December 14, 2025. The incident, which took place at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, prompted urgent legislative action across the country. The federal government, led by Albanese’s centre-left coalition, introduced new measures in January aimed at reducing firearm availability and enhancing security protocols. These reforms include a mandatory gun buyback initiative, stricter licensing requirements, and increased efforts to combat hate crimes. The legislation was passed in response to the Bondi Beach massacre, which authorities have linked to extremist ideologies, with police identifying the perpetrators as a father and son allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group. New South Wales, the nation’s most populous state, became the first region to commit to the buyback program, with implementation set for November 2. The Australian Capital Territory, which includes Canberra, has now joined the initiative, aiming to ensure “an antisemitic terrorist attack like we saw at Bondi can’t happen again,” according to Albanese. The ACT government confirmed its participation, though it has not specified a start date for the local phase of the program. Details regarding the timing and logistics remain under review, with Albanese’s office declining immediate comment. The Bondi Beach attackers, both of whom are still awaiting trial, were found to possess high-powered weapons that were legally acquired. Police have stated that the surviving suspect faces multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder. The case has sparked renewed calls for stricter gun control policies, particularly among communities affected by violence and hate-based attacks. Australia currently holds approximately 4.1 million firearms, according to government data. This number has remained relatively stable over recent years despite growing concerns about public safety. The upcoming buyback is expected to be the largest in the country’s history, surpassing the scale of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where a lone gunman killed 35 people before taking his own life. That tragedy led to one of the most comprehensive gun reform campaigns in modern Australian history, resulting in the banning of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. The decision to expand the buyback to the ACT reflects a growing consensus among lawmakers and community leaders that addressing gun access is critical to preventing future tragedies. While the exact scope of the program in the ACT remains unclear, officials have emphasized the need for coordinated action across all levels of government. The initiative also aligns with broader national goals of improving mental health support, strengthening law enforcement capabilities, and fostering social cohesion in diverse communities. As preparations for the buyback move forward, attention will focus on how the program will be implemented, including the criteria for eligibility, compensation rates, and the role of local authorities in managing the process. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement efforts are likely to play a key role in ensuring the success of the initiative. With the clock ticking toward the planned rollout, the coming months will determine whether this ambitious policy can effectively reduce gun-related fatalities and enhance overall public safety.