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NSW Gun Buyback: Up to $700 Per Firearm
17 Aug
Summary
- New South Wales launches gun buyback on November 2.
- Eligible firearms can fetch up to $700 for handguns/rifles.
- Scheme aims to reduce firearms post-Bondi attack.
New South Wales is set to launch a comprehensive gun buyback scheme on November 2, becoming the first Australian state to implement such a program as part of a national effort to address gun violence. This initiative follows a tragic shooting incident in Sydney that resulted in 15 fatalities.
Under the scheme's initial phase, individuals returning eligible firearms, including rifles and handguns, can expect compensation ranging from $450 to $1,000, with specific payouts dependent on the firearm's type. For higher-value firearms, a subsequent phase will allow for valuations up to $10,000.
These measures are part of broader gun-control reforms introduced in January following the December 14 attack. The government aims to get guns that are no longer legal out of circulation, thereby enhancing community safety and permanently removing them from the streets.
The program represents Australia's most substantial buyback since the 1996 initiative after the Port Arthur massacre. Despite having strong gun laws, Australia has seen an increase in firearm ownership, with over 4.1 million registered guns nationwide.
