NSW Liberals propose freeze on firearm buyback scheme

The NSW Liberal Party has sparked a significant political debate following a pledge by Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane to freeze the state’s major firearm buyback scheme and undo certain ownership restrictions. Sloane proposed the halt to allow for a commission of inquiry, arguing that the current Labor government rushed complex legislation through without adequate stakeholder consultation. She emphasized a focus on combating organized crime, terrorism, and illegal trafficking instead.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley, who characterized the move as a “stunning backflip” that would increase the number of guns in circulation. Catley noted that existing protections were implemented following the Bondi massacre.

While the policy has faced backlash from some political quarters, NSW Farmers president Rebecca Reardon welcomed the move, stating that policy must be practical and developed in partnership with those it affects. However, polling indicates the issue remains divisive; a Resolve Monitor poll showed 63 percent of voters supported the government’s gun reforms, with support dropping significantly among those backing One Nation.