UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has just announced a groundbreaking gun buyback scheme in response to recent violent events, including the tragic incident at Bondi. This initiative, the largest since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, aims to remove illegal and surplus firearms from the streets of Australia.
During a press conference on Friday, Albanese detailed plans that will force firearm owners with excessive weapons to either forfeit their guns or have them bought back by the government. “There are now more than four million firearms in Australia—more than at the time of the Port Arthur massacre nearly 30 years ago,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
The proposal comes after the shooting of Sajid Akram, who was legally in possession of six firearms at the time of his death. His son, Naveed Akram, now faces multiple charges, including murder, while lacking a firearms license. Albanese commented, “There’s no reason why someone in that situation needed that many guns.”
The buyback scheme will be funded on a 50-50 basis with the states and territories, which will oversee collection and payment. The Australian Federal Police will be responsible for destroying the firearms collected. “We expect hundreds of thousands of firearms will be collected and destroyed through this scheme,” Albanese confirmed.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke added that negotiations are ongoing with state leaders regarding the specifics of firearm limits. “If it becomes illegal to hold the number of firearms you possess, you must dispose of them, and the buyback scheme is the way that will happen,” he stated.
In New South Wales, Police Minister Yasmin Catley announced that recreational firearm owners will be restricted to only four weapons, while sports shooters and landowners will be limited to ten. This is part of broader reforms being implemented alongside the buyback initiative.
The urgency of these reforms is underscored by the ongoing issues surrounding gun ownership in Australia. The country has seen an increase in firearm-related incidents, and the government is keen to prevent further tragedies. A permanent gun amnesty has been in place since July 2021, resulting in almost 41,000 firearms being surrendered by June 2024.
The Prime Minister’s approach is reminiscent of the Howard government’s response to the Port Arthur tragedy, which included stricter licensing, a ban on semiautomatic weapons, and mandatory buybacks funded by a special levy. “This is about ensuring safety for all Australians,” Albanese concluded.
As discussions continue, the government urges citizens to stay informed about the changes and prepare for upcoming regulations. This developing story is crucial for all Australians concerned about community safety and firearm regulations.
