Australia gun buyback spurred by Bondi attack to start in November, PM says

Australia's New South Wales will launch a gun buyback scheme on November 2nd, offering up to A$1,000 for surrendered handguns and rifles. This initiative is part of a nationwide response to a deadly attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration last year, where 15 people were killed by legally obtained firearms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the scheme, which will also include stricter gun license checks and a crackdown on hate speech. The measures aim to reduce the record 4.1 million firearms currently owned in Australia, with over 1.1 million in New South Wales. This follows a similar buyback after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to significant firearm restrictions.

New South Wales, Australia, is launching a gun buyback program following an antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi Beach. The program, jointly funded by the state and federal government, offers cash incentives for gun owners to surrender their firearms, with payments ranging from AUS$450 for air rifles to AUS$1,000 for revolvers. A second phase next year will target higher-value firearms. Businesses affected by the reforms will also receive financial support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the initiative is part of nationwide gun reform efforts to prevent future attacks, referencing the December 14th incident where 15 people were killed.