# Australia gun buyback: NSW and ACT move forward

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-gun-buyback-state-divergence
> Updated: 2026-08-15T13:08:15.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 3.

Following the December 2025 antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people, the Australian federal government introduced sweeping firearm reforms, including a nationwide buyback of prohibited semi-automatic and pump-action weapons. While the plan aimed for national consistency, it has faced significant state opposition.

By late July 2026, the initiative had largely stalled as Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia rejected key measures, such as caps on the number of firearms per person. Premier Jacinta Allan cited voter concerns as a reason for the rejection. This divergence has created a regulatory patchwork, particularly impacting the agricultural sector. NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin has called for consistency in licensing to prevent limiting access to essential tools for the approximately 25,000 farm businesses in NSW and 300 in the ACT that may be subject to the scheme.

In August 2026, the federal and New South Wales governments reached an agreement to launch a major buyback starting November 2. Under this arrangement, the Commonwealth and NSW will split administration costs, with the federal government fully funding the destruction of surrendered weapons. The scheme targets firearms exceeding a new four-gun ownership limit, though exceptions exist for farmers and professional shooters who may own up to ten. Authorities estimate up to 274,000 registered firearms—roughly 24 percent of NSW’s total—could be returned. To support the transition, the government is offering grants of up to $25,000 to businesses and dealers, along with $500 in license fee relief over two years. Some high-value firearms may be eligible for compensation up to $10,000 starting in early 2027. Initial compensation for specific weapons includes $1,000 for revolvers and $850 for semi-automatic handguns. These reforms have faced criticism from One Nation leaders during community consultations.

## Claims

- The Prime Minister stated that meaningful nationwide gun reform is necessary to prevent a repeat of the Bondi attack. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- New gun laws in NSW restrict individual ownership to four firearms, with exceptions for farmers and professional shooters allowed up to ten. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- A second phase of the scheme starting in early 2027 will offer compensation up to $10,000 for high-value firearms with a market value above $3,000. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Eligible businesses and dealers can receive grants of up to $25,000 and license fee relief of $500 over two years. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025 resulted in the deaths of 15 people. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The federal and NSW governments will split the administration costs of the buyback scheme 50/50. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The first phase of the buyback begins on November 2. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: New South Wales to launch major gun buyback following Bondi attack

Australia will launch a major gun buyback in New South Wales starting November 2, following the 2025 Bondi Beach terror attack. The scheme aims to remove up to 274,000 firearms from circulation.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-to-launch-gun-buyback-following-bondi-attack

### 2026-07-24: Australia's Post‑Bondi Gun Buyback Stalls Amid State Opposition

Australia's proposed post‑Bondi gun buyback, announced by PM Albanese, is delayed as most states reject new firearm caps, leaving only NSW and the ACT proceeding.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australias-postbondi-gun-buyback-stalls-amid-state-opposition

### 2026-07-19: NSW and ACT push ahead with gun buyback as other states opt out, leaving farmers facing border dilemmas

NSW and the ACT will proceed with a gun buyback while Queensland and the NT opt out, creating a patchwork of rules that could affect about 25,000 farms across state borders in Australia.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nsw-and-act-push-ahead-with-gun-buyback-as-other-states-opt-out-leaving-farmers-facing-border-dilemm

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Cite as: Australia gun buyback: NSW and ACT move forward. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-gun-buyback-state-divergence