AUSTRALIAN GUN BUYBACK PROPOSAL STALLS
Australia’s proposed national gun buyback scheme has missed a key implementation deadline after several states and territories declined to support the federal government’s plans.
Although enabling legislation has been passed, only New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have committed to the national scheme. Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory have rejected the proposal, while Western Australia and Tasmania are pursuing separate approaches.
The proposed buyback followed the December 2025 Bondi terrorist attack and would see the Commonwealth and participating states share the cost of purchasing surplus, newly prohibited and illegal firearms.
Several shooting organisations welcomed the delay, arguing the reforms would disproportionately affect licensed firearm owners while doing little to tackle criminal misuse. Shooters Union Australia has estimated the scheme could cost up to A$15 billion, although the federal government has not published official costings.
The Albanese Government has yet to announce a revised timetable but says it remains committed to implementing the reforms.