Following deadly Bondi Beach attack, Australia announces largest gun buyback since 1996

By Anadolu staff

Australia on Friday announced its largest gun buyback in decades after the recent attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with the prime minister saying the plan will help get guns off the streets.

In a joint statement with Home Minister Tony Burke, Premier Anthony Albanese described the plan as the largest of its kind since the landmark reforms introduced by then-Prime Minister John Howard following the 1996 Port Arthur shooting.

In April 1996, at least 35 people were killed and 18 others injured in mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia.

Albanese said the new scheme aims to purchase surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms, warning that Australia must “finish the job” on gun reform in light of evolving security threats.

"There is no reason someone living in the suburbs of Sydney needed this many guns," said the premier, referring to one of the suspected Bondi Beach shooters having multiple high-powered rifles.

"There are now more than 4 million firearms in Australia – more than at the time of the Port Arthur massacre, nearly 30 years ago."

Under the proposed scheme, the federal government will introduce legislation to fund the buyback and share costs on a 50:50 basis with states and territories.

The government is proposing that states and territories agree to new and strengthened gun law reforms by next March, with legislation to be enacted no later than July 1, 2026.

On Sunday a man and his son opened fire on a beach in Sydney, killing 15 people and injuring 42 others. Police described the incident as a "terrorist attack."

One of the two shooters was killed, while the other was critically injured and is being treated in a hospital.

Separately, Albanese also announced a "day of reflection" on Sunday to honor the victims and said they also plan a National Day of Mourning to be held in the new year.