NSW launches massive gun buyback after Bondi terror attack

Following the deadly Bondi attack that left 15 victims, New South Wales will implement a gun buyback starting November 2 at six police stations, expanding to 34 more locations on December 1. The program caps personal firearm holdings at four, with a higher limit of ten for primary producers and sporting shooters, and compensates owners for guns that exceed the new limits. NSW is the sole state to sign up for the federal scheme, which is the most extensive since the 1996 Port Arthur buyback, and could see up to 274,000 firearms returned.

Financial incentives include up to $25,000 in grants for qualifying businesses and a one-off $500 licence-fee reduction for gun dealers. The NSW Firearms Registry, bolstered by a $43 million funding boost, will begin contacting eligible licence holders. While officials say the plan will reduce weapons in the community, gun shop owners and shooting groups argue it will cripple their operations.