NSW gun owners can now hand in firearms for cash under new buy‑back scheme
From today licensed owners in New South Wales may surrender guns at police stations and receive payment as part of the national buy‑back.
From today licensed gun owners in New South Wales can walk into police stations and hand over firearms in exchange for cash.
The move is part of the national gun buy‑back scheme announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the Bondi terrorist attack.
To date, only NSW and the Australian Capital Territory have agreed to join the buy‑back; Western Australia conducted a separate program in 2024.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said fewer guns in circulation makes for a safer community.
Critics argue the program targets law‑abiding owners. Fourth‑generation farmer Alan Brown called the 12‑month buy‑back a “knee‑jerk response” and said weapons are needed to control worsening feral‑pest problems in regional NSW.
One of the main drivers of demand will be the new caps on how many firearms an individual may own. Recreational hunters will be limited to four guns.
Licensed owners can surrender firearms at any police station.
Participants will receive monetary compensation for each surrendered weapon.
The scheme runs for 12 months.
The buy‑back aims to reduce the number of firearms in the community, with officials linking lower gun numbers to increased safety.
