Australia is moving decisively to tighten gun regulations after the tragic Bondi Beach shooting that left several people dead and injured. On 19 December 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback scheme to address the risks posed by high-powered firearms among civilians. The initiative represents the largest effort of its kind since 1996, when the government introduced sweeping reforms following the Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives.

Background of the Bondi Beach incident

The announcement comes in the aftermath of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025, where a father-son duo, identified as Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations. Authorities have stated the attack was Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired, targeting the Jewish community. The father died during a shootout, while the son has been charged with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism.

This shocking act of violence has reignited discussions around firearm ownership, illegal gun circulation, and the need for stricter gun laws in Australia.

Details of the national gun buyback scheme

The gun buyback scheme will see the Australian government purchase surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms. Prime Minister Albanese told reporters in Canberra that the goal is to reduce the number of dangerous weapons on the streets, emphasizing the importance of public safety.

The scheme will largely mirror the 1996 Port Arthur-style approach, where the government had successfully removed thousands of firearms from circulation. In 1996, the Howard government imposed similar measures after a mass shooting highlighted the risks of civilian firearm ownership.

Funding and execution

To fund the initiative, the government will introduce legislation allocating resources for the buyback. The Commonwealth and states/territories will split the cost on a 50:50 basis, ensuring shared responsibility for the program.

The collection, processing, and payments for surrendered firearms will be managed by the individual states and territories. This decentralized approach allows local authorities to handle logistics while ensuring that owners of firearms are compensated fairly.

Impact on public safety and gun laws

Australia’s gun laws were significantly reformed after the Port Arthur massacre, and the Bondi Beach tragedy has underscored the continued need for vigilance. By targeting illegal, banned, and surplus firearms, the government aims to reduce the likelihood of mass shootings and other firearm-related crimes.

The announcement by PM Albanese demonstrates a proactive approach to gun violence and signals a broader strategy to enhance public safety, curb extremism-inspired attacks, and reinforce the country's reputation for strict firearm regulation.

Political and social context

The Bondi Beach attack has raised concerns about homegrown and foreign-inspired terrorism, as well as the accessibility of high-powered firearms. Albanese’s announcement of a gun buyback scheme sends a strong message that the government will not tolerate lax regulation of weapons or any threats to the safety of citizens.

The 50:50 funding arrangement ensures shared accountability between the Commonwealth and the states, reflecting cooperative governance in responding to security challenges.

Historical significance and public reception

The 1996 gun buyback program is often cited as a successful model for reducing mass shooting incidents and preventing firearm-related deaths. The current initiative builds on this precedent, with experts and policymakers seeing it as a critical step toward curbing gun violence in Australia.

Public reaction to Albanese’s announcement has been largely positive, with many Australians acknowledging the need to remove illegal firearms and reinforce the nation’s reputation for strict gun control.

Next steps and expected outcomes

With legislation to fund the buyback expected to be introduced shortly, the government plans to begin the collection process swiftly. Public awareness campaigns and notifications will ensure that firearm owners understand eligibility criteria and the procedure for surrendering their weapons.

Authorities anticipate that the program will remove a substantial number of guns from circulation, potentially preventing future attacks and enhancing community security.

Conclusion

In response to the Bondi Beach shooting, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a nationwide gun buyback scheme, targeting surplus, banned, and illegal firearms. Drawing on lessons from the 1996 Port Arthur reforms, this initiative aims to strengthen gun laws, improve public safety, and mitigate the risk of mass shootings. With shared funding between the Commonwealth and state governments, the program represents a coordinated effort to reduce gun-related violence and reinforce Australia’s commitment to strict firearm regulation. The move underscores the government’s proactive stance in addressing both terrorism-inspired attacks and broader firearm risks, aiming to ensure that tragedies like Bondi Beach do not recur.

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