New South Wales will launch a major gun buyback scheme in November as part of sweeping firearms reforms introduced after the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack.

Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), is preparing to launch a major gun buyback scheme in November, following sweeping firearm-law changes introduced after the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people.

The NSW Government has set November 2 as the start of the first phase of the buyback, under which eligible firearm owners can surrender weapons that fall outside the state’s new ownership limits. The reforms aim to reduce the number of firearms in circulation and strengthen licensing and oversight.

The changes follow the December 14, 2025 attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack killed 15 people and triggered a national debate over firearm access, licensing and security.

NSW Tightens Firearm Limits

Under the new NSW rules, most licensed firearm owners can possess a maximum of four firearms.

Primary producers and sports or target shooters can hold up to 10 firearms under specified conditions. NSW Police says the limits do not immediately require existing owners to surrender weapons, with the buyback designed to provide a pathway for people who need to comply with the new rules.

The reforms also restrict certain firearm types and strengthen licensing requirements.

The state has reduced the maximum firearm licence period from five years to two years. NSW also plans stronger checks and a comprehensive audit of existing firearm licences.

Buyback Targets Surplus Guns

The buyback will primarily target firearms that owners can no longer legally retain under the revised rules.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has said the government wants excess firearms handed in, compensated and safely destroyed. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to reduce firearm availability following the Bondi attack.

The exact compensation structure will depend on the category and value of the firearm. The scheme is being developed with the Commonwealth government as part of a wider national response to firearm regulation.

Second Phase Covers Expensive Guns

The buyback will operate in stages.

The initial phase will focus on common categories such as handguns, shotguns and rifles that fall within the scope of the new restrictions.

A later phase is expected to address higher-value firearms. The government has designed the programme to give owners time to determine whether their firearms comply with the new limits and whether they qualify for compensation.

This approach also aims to reduce pressure on the firearms registry as thousands of licence holders adjust to the new requirements.

Licensing Rules Also Change

The buyback is only one component of NSW’s firearm reforms.

The state has introduced tougher licensing rules, stronger accountability requirements and restrictions on certain firearm configurations. The government has also allocated $39.3 million to strengthen the NSW Firearms Registry and support implementation of the new system.

The reforms represent one of the biggest changes to NSW firearm regulation in decades.

Bondi Attack Triggered Reform

The December 2025 attack exposed concerns about how an individual with a firearm licence could legally access multiple weapons.

The attack prompted NSW to move quickly on firearm restrictions. Parliament passed the new laws in December, including firearm ownership caps and tighter controls on certain weapons.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has since examined the circumstances surrounding the attack. Its interim recommendations included calls for Commonwealth, state and territory governments to work towards a consistent national firearms agreement and a national gun buyback scheme.

National Reform Gains Momentum

The NSW programme comes as Australia reviews firearm laws across the country.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed a national approach, while states and territories have taken different positions on ownership limits and buybacks. Some jurisdictions have introduced caps, while others have rejected them.

The differences have renewed calls for greater consistency across Australia’s firearms system.

Gun Owners Face Deadline

For NSW firearm owners, the coming months will bring significant changes to licensing, ownership limits and compliance requirements.

The state government will need to ensure that the NSW gun buyback scheme operates efficiently while providing clear information to licensed owners and firearms businesses. Its success will also be closely watched as Australia considers broader national firearm reforms following the Bondi Beach attack.