NSW Gun Buyback
New South Wales Launches Largest Gun Buyback in Decades, Offers Cash Post-Attack
Key Points
NSW's gun reforms are estimated to affect up to about 274,000 firearms and roughly 50,000 license holders, illustrating the scale of the buyback across the state.
Phase 1 fixed payments vary by weapon type, including $1,000 for revolvers, $850 for semi-automatic handguns and double-barrel shotguns, $650 for single-barrel shotguns, $650–$1,000 for rifles, and $450 for air rifles.
The buyback will be financed with costs shared evenly between the state and federal governments, with the Commonwealth covering the destruction of surrendered firearms and additional support for dealers, including grants up to $25,000 and licence-fee relief of up to $500.
Phase 2 will offer compensation for higher-value firearms with an indicative market value above $3,000, capped at $10,000 per firearm, and is expected to start in early 2027.
In addition to the buyback, weapons are being reclassified to require more restricted licenses, and certain multi-shot firearms have been banned from being owned without tighter licensing.
New South Wales will launch Australia's largest gun buyback in decades on November 2, offering cash payments of up to $1,000 per firearm in the first phase, according to Daily Telegraph. The scheme follows tightened gun laws introduced after the Bondi Beach terror attack, which killed 15 people and prompted a push for nationwide reform.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the program alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns, describing it as a national effort to reduce gun violence. Four states and territories refused to join a nationwide buyback, leaving NSW to lead the way alone, Daily Telegraph reported.
Bondi Beach Attack Triggered NSW's Sweeping Gun Reforms
The buyback is a direct response to the Bondi Beach mass shooting, which spurred NSW to tighten its gun laws significantly. The reforms cap firearm ownership at four guns per license, or ten for farmers. Certain multi-shot firearms were also reclassified, requiring more restricted licenses to own, Free Malaysia Today reported.
The new limits are estimated to affect up to 274,000 firearms and around 50,000 license holders across the state, according to Head Topics. Albanese called the reform a meaningful step toward community safety. Minns backed the scheme as essential to delivering on promises made after the attack.
Phase 1 Payments Start November 2 With Fixed Rates by Gun Type
Gun owners can surrender eligible firearms from November 2 and receive fixed cash payments based on weapon type. Revolvers fetch $1,000. Semi-automatic handguns and double-barrel shotguns bring $850. Single-barrel shotguns and most rifles earn $650. Air rifles receive the lowest payment at $450, Head Topics reported.
The costs are split evenly between the NSW and federal governments. The Commonwealth will also cover the cost of destroying surrendered firearms. Dealers get extra support too — grants of up to $25,000 and licence-fee relief of up to $500 are available to help businesses manage the transition, according to Daily Telegraph.
Phase 2 Targets High-Value Firearms With Up to $10,000 Payout
A second phase is planned for early 2027 and will target higher-value firearms. Guns with an indicative market value above $3,000 will be eligible for compensation, capped at $10,000 per firearm. This phase is designed to address collectors and owners of specialist weapons that were not covered by the flat-rate first phase, Head Topics reported.
Opposition Vows to Repeal Laws as Other States Refuse to Join
The Nationals have vowed to repeal the legislation and oppose the buyback program entirely. Their resistance reflects a broader split — four states and territories declined to join a national scheme, forcing NSW to act alone, according to Daily Telegraph. That decision limits the reform's reach across Australia.
Despite the political pushback, Albanese and Minns are pressing ahead. The program is framed as targeted and phased, with safeguards for industry through grants and fee relief. Officials say the goal is to remove dangerous guns from circulation while keeping the impact on law-abiding owners manageable, Free Malaysia Today reported.
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