The federal government has agreed to fund a gun buyback program in New South Wales, ending months of negotiations between Canberra and Sydney. The deal was announced on Thursday, with the Commonwealth committing to cover the full cost of the scheme, which aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation.
Background to the buyback
The buyback was a key recommendation of a parliamentary inquiry into gun violence, and the NSW government had been pushing for federal support. The scheme will allow gun owners to surrender their weapons for compensation, with the aim of removing an estimated 100,000 firearms from the community.
The federal funding represents a reversal of the previous position, which had been that gun control was a state responsibility. The change follows a series of high-profile shootings that prompted public pressure for action.
Details of the agreement
Under the agreement, the federal government will provide $150 million over four years, with the NSW government contributing an additional $50 million. The scheme will be administered by NSW Police, with a dedicated taskforce to oversee the buyback.
Compensation rates will be based on the type and condition of the firearm, with a maximum of $1,500 per weapon. The buyback is expected to run for 12 months, with a review after six months to assess its effectiveness.
Political reaction
The announcement was welcomed by gun control advocates, who called it a "significant step" in reducing gun violence. However, some regional MPs expressed concerns about the impact on law-abiding gun owners, arguing that the scheme could unfairly target rural communities.
The NSW Premier said the deal was a "win for community safety" and thanked the federal government for its cooperation. The federal Home Affairs Minister described the agreement as "a practical measure to keep Australians safe."
The first surrenders are expected to begin in October, with the government aiming to collect the majority of firearms within the first six months.
