Bookings Open For National Gun Buyback Following Bondi Terror Attack

From today, firearms licence holders can book via the Gun Safe portal to surrender eligible firearms and ammunition as part of the Minns Labor Government’s firearm buyback, the largest in NSW in a generation.

Officially commencing 2 November, The National Gun Buyback Scheme will give eligible firearms licence holders a clear and safe pathway to surrender surplus and reclassified firearms and receive compensation under a fixed price schedule. Up to 274,000 firearms are expected to be returned in NSW under the Scheme.

The buyback scheme comes as a direct response to the terror attack at Bondi Beach earlier this year in which 15 people were killed. Accordingly, it aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation and ensure banned weapons are safely removed from the community and destroyed.

National Gun Buyback Scheme Surrender Locations

While only select NSW police stations, such as Sutherland and Penrith Police Station, will be available for firearm surrender bookings during the first phase, metropolitan stations in Kogarah, Rose Bay, Marrickville, and Mascot will be opened for bookings later in November, with their available appointment slots starting from 1 December.

The final stage, commencing in 2027, will see firearm surrender appointments made available at Kings Cross, Balmain, Day Street, Maroubra, and Surry Hills police stations.

Fewer Guns Means A Safer Community Says Minister For Police

“Fewer guns in the community mean a safer community,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley. “It means fewer guns at risk to fall into the wrong hands. It’s that simple.”

“After 15 innocent people were killed at Bondi, we had to act and we did. We’ve strengthened gun laws, increased oversight and reduced risk. These are tough decisions but this is a Government that puts community safety first. Our position has never wavered, unlike the Liberals who voted for tough gun control then backflipped to chase One Nation votes.”

Catley went on to assure the public the buyback is being supported by trained and competent personel committed to keeping NSW communities safe.

“The Buyback is a significant undertaking in public safety. NSW Police across the state are well placed and trained to safely and securely deal with the surrender and destruction of firearms.

“I ask eligible licence holders to follow the instructions being sent out today and I thank the NSW Police for their efforts in implementing this scheme and keeping us safe.”