ACT Joins National Gun Buyback Scheme After Bondi Attack

The Australian Capital Territory government has agreed to join a national gun buyback scheme, becoming the second jurisdiction to do so after New South Wales. The initiative follows a December 14, 2025, terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people during a Jewish festival. Under a funding agreement, the federal government will cover 100 percent of firearm destruction costs and 75 percent of buyback and administrative expenses.

As part of the agreement, the ACT will introduce legislation to cap firearm ownership at five weapons, with limited exemptions for specific purposes up to 10. The new laws will also prohibit belt-fed firearms and criminalize the possession of digital blueprints used to manufacture firearm parts. Approximately 1,000 residents, or 14 percent of the territory's 7,000 license holders, are expected to be affected by the ownership cap.

While the federal government seeks a coordinated national approach, conservative governments in Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory have declined to participate, and Western Australia intends to maintain independent processes. In New South Wales, the buyback begins November 2, with a tiered payment system offering up to 1,000 Australian dollars in the first phase and up to 10,000 Australian dollars for higher-value firearms starting in early 2027.