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Australia’s most populous state will launch a gun buyback scheme later this year, becoming the first to offer cash in exchange for firearms following the Bondi Beach terror attack.<\/b><\/p>\n
Gun owners in New South Wales (NSW) will be offered up to AUS$1,000 (\u00a3523) to hand over eligible handguns, shotguns and rifles from 2 November.<\/p>\n
Australian authorities had pledged sweeping firearm law reforms after 15 people were shot dead at a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which is located in NSW, last December.<\/p>\n
The state’s Premier Chris Minns said on Saturday: “We want those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed.”<\/p>\n
He said the move could see hundreds of thousands of guns surrendered.<\/p>\n
Gun ownership reforms already introduced by the state mean individuals can only own four firearms – although some people, such as farmers and sports shooters, can own a maximum of 10.<\/p>\n
The scheme will be offered to those who have more weapons than permitted by the new rules, or who are no longer covered by a licence – with terms having been reduced from five years to two.<\/p>\n
The scheme will be implemented in two phases. The first – from the start of November – covers types of handguns, shotguns and rifles. <\/p>\n
Those handing over a revolver, for example, will be paid AUS$1,000, while an air rifle will fetch AUS$450. <\/p>\n
The second phase will begin early next year and cover “higher-value firearms” valued above AUS$3,000, capped at AUS$10,000. <\/p>\n
The National Gun BuyBack Scheme is being jointly funded by New South Wales and the federal government. <\/p>\n
Businesses will be able to receive up to AUS$25,000 in support to help them adjust to the reforms, with help also offered to gun-dealers.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “We must do everything we can to make sure the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi doesn’t happen again.<\/p>\n
“That includes meaningful nationwide gun reform.”<\/p>\n
On 14 December last year, 15 people including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor were killed as Hanukkah celebrations took place along Australia’s famed beachfront.<\/p>\n
Australian authorities had initially planned a nationwide gun buyback, though plans have been delayed over funding and questions about how it would be implemented.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n