# New South Wales firearm regulation and buyback

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-south-wales-firearm-regulation-and-buyback
> Updated: 2026-10-26T02:22:05.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

Following the introduction of new firearm restrictions in New South Wales, Australian firearms dealers have reported significant financial losses. A survey by the Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA) indicated that national dealer revenue fell by 38.8 per cent in the first half of 2026, with the impact most severe in New South Wales, where revenue declined by 58.8 per cent and sales dropped by 76.6 per cent. The total financial impact on responding businesses is estimated at $22.6 million, with $13.3 million occurring in New South Wales.

Industry representatives cited new limits on the number of firearms individuals can possess—typically four, or up to ten for primary producers—and lengthy permit approval delays as primary drivers for the downturn. In the Riverina region, trade has reportedly plunged by approximately two-thirds. Nearly half of New South Wales respondents indicated that business closure could become necessary.

As the state prepares for a firearm buyback scheme scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026—a measure following a December 2025 terror attack—the industry faces further instability. Dealers have reported confusion regarding their role in the process and a lack of official guidance from the state government. Politically, the scheme has met opposition; the NSW Opposition Leader has criticized the legislation as “rushed and complex,” while the Shooters Union has called for a boycott.

By late October 2026, the buyback scheme commenced, with booking appointments available at six police stations, including Sutherland and Penrith. While the government aims to reduce weapons in circulation, confusion remains regarding exemption rules for individuals with genuine needs, such as elite athletes or farmers with multiple properties.

## Claims

- The first round of the NSW gun buyback is scheduled to commence on November 2. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Firearms dealer Craig Mearns reported receiving no relevant contact from the state government regarding the buyback process. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane stated that the gun buyback laws were rushed, complex, and lacked stakeholder consultation. (single source)
- Kellie Sloane urged gun owners who do not wish to surrender firearms to hold onto them. (single source)
- The NSW gun buyback scheme includes a fixed price schedule for individual license holders above the new legal limit. (single source)
- Gun owners will receive compensation between $450 and $1,000 for surrendered firearms. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: New South Wales launches firearm buyback scheme

New South Wales has launched a firearm buyback scheme following the Bondi terror attack, capping most owners at four guns while offering compensation for surrendered weapons.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-launches-firearm-buyback-program

### 2026-10-18: NSW gun buyback scheme faces dealer confusion and political opposition

NSW gun buybacks begin November 2, offering compensation up to $1,000. However, dealers report a lack of government guidance, and Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane has criticized the scheme as rushed.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nsw-gun-buyback-scheme-faces-dealer-confusion-and-political-opposition

### 2026-09-24: Australian firearms dealers report heavy losses amid new gun laws

Australian firearms dealers report massive revenue losses, particularly in New South Wales, following strict new gun laws and limits on firearm ownership per license holder.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-firearms-dealers-report-heavy-losses-amid-new-gun-laws

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Cite as: New South Wales firearm regulation and buyback. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-south-wales-firearm-regulation-and-buyback