Australia to start gun buyback program in November after Bondi shooting

Australia’s federal government announced that a nationwide firearms buy‑back scheme will commence in November, marking the first major step toward reducing gun ownership since the deadly Bondi shooting that claimed 15 lives nearly a year ago. The program, unveiled by the Department of Home Affairs, will allow eligible owners to surrender a range of firearms—including semi‑automatic rifles, shotguns and handguns—in exchange for government‑funded vouchers, with the aim of removing thousands of weapons from private hands.

The initiative follows a series of parliamentary inquiries and public calls for stricter gun control after the Bondi incident, which prompted a review of existing licensing and storage regulations. Officials say the buy‑back will be funded through a dedicated budget allocation and will be coordinated with state police forces to ensure safe collection and destruction of surrendered firearms. Authorities expect the scheme to contribute to a measurable decline in gun‑related violence and to reinforce Australia’s long‑standing commitment to stringent firearms legislation.