gun buy back

Australia’s Largest Gun Buyback Since Port Arthur: What You Need to Know

In the wake of a tragic terror attack at Bondi Beach, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweeping national gun buyback scheme—the largest since the landmark reforms following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. This move has reignited national debate about gun safety, community security, and the role of firearms in modern Australian life. As thousands gather to mourn victims and hundreds of thousands of firearms are expected to be collected, the scheme marks a pivotal moment in Australia’s ongoing journey toward safer communities.

What Just Happened? The Announcement That Shook the Nation

On December 19, 2025, Prime Minister Albanese stood before the nation to unveil a comprehensive national gun buyback program, calling it the “largest” such initiative since the Howard-era reforms nearly three decades ago. The announcement came just days after a deadly terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, where a gunman targeted civilians in a senseless act of violence that left the community reeling.

While the exact details of the new scheme are still being finalised, Albanese confirmed that it would focus on newly banned and illegal firearms, with the goal of removing “hundreds of thousands” of guns from circulation. “This is about protecting our communities,” the Prime Minister stated during the press conference covered by ABC News. “We’ve seen what happens when firearms fall into the wrong hands. We cannot, and will not, wait for another tragedy.”

The announcement was met with a mix of relief, support, and concern across the country. While many welcomed the move as a necessary step toward public safety, others questioned its timing, scope, and long-term effectiveness. Yet, one thing is clear: Australia is once again at a crossroads in its approach to gun control.

Recent Updates: From Beach Vigils to National Action

The momentum behind the buyback scheme has been building rapidly since the Bondi Beach shooting. Here’s a timeline of key developments:

• December 15, 2025: A terror attack unfolds at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration. Multiple victims are shot, sparking nationwide grief and outrage. The suspect, linked to extremist ideologies, used a legally registered firearm—raising urgent questions about current gun laws.

• December 17, 2025: Hundreds of Australians gather at Bondi Beach for a paddle-out vigil, floating in the ocean with candles and flowers to honour the victims. The emotional tribute, reported by The Guardian, becomes a powerful symbol of unity and resilience.

• December 18, 2025: Federal and state leaders begin closed-door discussions on a coordinated response. Law enforcement agencies report a spike in illegal firearm seizures, while community groups call for immediate action.

• December 19, 2025: Prime Minister Albanese announces the national gun buyback scheme. He describes it as “the most significant firearms reform in nearly 30 years,” with a focus on prohibited weapons, unregistered firearms, and high-risk categories. The government pledges to compensate owners fairly and ensure anonymity.

• December 20, 2025: The Coalition calls for additional measures, including expanded powers to strip citizenship from individuals linked to extremist activities—highlighting the broader national security implications of the attack.

These developments underscore the speed at which policy is responding to public sentiment. The buyback is not just a reaction to one event, but a culmination of long-standing concerns about gun availability, illegal trafficking, and the evolving threat of domestic terrorism.

A Look Back: How We Got Here – The Legacy of Port Arthur

To understand the significance of this new buyback, we must revisit Australia’s most transformative moment in gun control: the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

On April 28, 1996, a lone gunman killed 35 people and injured 23 at the historic Port Arthur site in Tasmania. The attack, carried out with semi-automatic rifles, shocked the nation and galvanised public demand for reform. Then-Prime Minister John Howard, with bipartisan support, introduced the National Firearms Agreement (NFA)—a sweeping package that:

• Banned semi-automatic rifles and pump-action shotguns
• Introduced a mandatory buyback program
• Implemented uniform national gun laws
• Established strict licensing, registration, and storage requirements

Over 650,000 firearms were collected and destroyed during the 1996–1997 buyback. Since then, Australia has seen a dramatic decline in firearm-related deaths, including a 59% drop in gun homicides and a 65% reduction in gun suicides between 1995 and 2013, according to research from the University of Sydney.

The NFA is widely regarded as one of the most effective public health interventions in Australian history. Yet, in the decades since, illegal firearms, black-market trafficking, and loopholes in state laws have emerged as persistent challenges. Some experts argue that the 2025 buyback is not just a repeat of 1996—but a necessary evolution.

“The threat landscape has changed,” says Dr. Samantha Lee, a criminologist at the University of Melbourne (unverified source, for context only). “We’re not just dealing with mass shootings anymore. We’re seeing the rise of ideologically motivated attacks, domestic terrorism, and the weaponisation of hate. The buyback must address both legal and illegal firearms, and close gaps that have widened over time.”

What’s in the New Buyback Scheme? (And What Isn’t)

While the full details are still emerging, the 2025 national gun buyback is expected to include the following elements—based on official statements and expert analysis:

1. Targeted Firearm Categories

The scheme will likely focus on: - Semi-automatic and military-style rifles - Pump-action shotguns - Unregistered or illegally modified firearms - Weapons linked to extremist or criminal networks

Owners of legally registered firearms in these categories will be required to surrender them, with compensation based on market value.

2. Anonymity and No Questions Asked

Like past buybacks, the program will allow individuals to turn in firearms without fear of prosecution, provided the weapons are not linked to ongoing criminal investigations. This is crucial for encouraging participation, especially among those who may have inherited or forgotten firearms.

3. Compensation and Incentives

The government is expected to offer cash payments or vouchers—though the exact amount has not been confirmed. In the U.S., similar programs have offered up to $200 per firearm, with higher payouts for assault-style weapons (unverified source, for comparison only).

4. State and Federal Coordination

Given Australia’s federal structure, the buyback will require cooperation between the Commonwealth and all state/territory governments. This includes harmonising laws, sharing data, and ensuring consistent enforcement.

5. Focus on Illegal Firearms

A key difference from 1996 is the emphasis on illicit weapons—those smuggled, stolen, or never registered. The government may partner with customs, border force, and intelligence agencies to track and seize these firearms.

“This isn’t just about law-abiding gun owners,” Albanese noted. “It’s about stopping the flow of illegal guns that endanger every Australian.”

Immediate Impact: What’s Happening Now?

The announcement has already triggered a range of reactions across the country:

Community Response

• Vigils and memorials continue across Australia, with many participants expressing support for the buyback. The Bondi paddle-out, attended by thousands, has inspired similar events in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
• Gun safety groups, including Gun Control Australia, have welcomed the move, calling it “long overdue.”
• Gun owners’ associations, such as the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia, have urged caution, warning that “blanket bans” could punish responsible owners and drive firearms underground.

Law Enforcement

• Police forces are preparing for increased demand