Australia launches biggest gun buyback in 30 years after Bondi beach terror attack

"The federal government will launch a new gun buyback scheme in response to the Bondi beach terror attack in what Anthony Albanese says will be the biggest collection of weapons since the Port Arthur massacre nearly three decades ago. It comes as New South Wales announced a suite of gun control measures including capping the number of firearms most recreational shooters can hold at four."

"The buyback comes as state governments prepare to tighten gun laws through national cabinet, expected to see gun licences issued only to Australian citizens as well as better background checks, limits on the timeframe licenses can be issued for and limits on the number of weapons individuals can own. A long-awaited national firearms register first recommended after the Port Arthur massacre is being accelerated but will not be ready until 2027 at the earliest."

Federal and state governments will fund a major gun buyback to collect and destroy hundreds of thousands of firearms following the Bondi beach terror attack. New South Wales will cap recreational shooters at four firearms and states will collect surrendered weapons while the Australian Federal Police oversee destruction. Intelligence showed the shooters used an online video game feed from Islamic State, and there is no information that data sharing could have prevented the attack. National cabinet will consider stricter licensing limited to Australian citizens, stronger background checks, shorter license timeframes and limits on weapons per person. A national firearms register is being accelerated but will not be ready until 2027.

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