Australian Prime Minister Unveils Firearm Buy-Back Plan After Bondi

Australian Prime Minister Unveils Firearm Buy-Back Plan After Bondi Beach Attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a nationwide firearm buy-back program aimed at reducing the number of guns in circulation following the deadly Bondi Beach attack.

Speaking at a press briefing in Canberra on Friday, Albanese said the initiative would target surplus weapons, newly prohibited firearms, and illegal guns. He explained that the federal government would introduce legislation to support the scheme’s funding, with costs shared between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.

The prime minister said authorities anticipate collecting and destroying hundreds of thousands of firearms through the program.

Albanese also declared a national day of reflection to honor the victims, scheduled for December 21. On that day, flags at New South Wales and federal government buildings will be lowered to half-staff, followed by a national day of mourning in the new year.

Meanwhile, large numbers of surfers gathered at Bondi Beach on Friday morning for a paddle-out, symbolizing solidarity with the victims and a collective rejection of fear and hate. Lifeguards who assisted during the emergency shared their experiences at the gathering, describing the emotional toll of the incident and the community’s path toward recovery, according to local media.

Albanese said investigations into the attack remain ongoing, noting that the National Security Committee has met multiple times since the incident. He confirmed that intelligence agencies had identified extremist online content linked to ISIS, suggesting the attack was inspired by the group.

Further inquiries are continuing to fully determine the motive, Albanese said, adding that security agencies will receive ongoing government support.

Under the proposed buy-back plan, state and territory authorities will handle the collection of firearms and compensation payments, while federal police will oversee the destruction of surrendered weapons. Albanese described the initiative as the most significant gun buy-back program since 1996.

Australia already enforces some of the strictest gun laws globally, introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, and continues to record one of the lowest firearm homicide rates in the world.