The NSW Liberals and Nationals have pledged to freeze the state’s gun buyback scheme and review parts of the firearms reforms introduced following the December 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack if they win government at next year’s state election.
NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said a Coalition government would establish a commission of inquiry into firearms legislation, with the buyback put on hold while the review takes place.
The policy marks a shift from the Coalition’s position in December 2025, when Liberal and National MPs supported legislation introducing tighter firearm ownership limits and other restrictions following the Bondi attack, in which 15 people were killed.
Under the Coalition proposal, firearm ownership caps applying to farmers would also be removed, while any future changes to the buyback would be considered following the proposed inquiry and further stakeholder consultation.
Sloane said the Coalition supported stronger gun laws but argued the current framework had been implemented too quickly and placed too much focus on licensed firearm owners rather than illegal firearms, organised crime and terrorism.
The NSW Government has rejected that argument, with Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley describing the Coalition’s position as a reversal of its previous support for the reforms.
Gun Buyback Scheduled to Begin in November
NSW is currently scheduled to become the first state to participate in the Commonwealth’s National Gun Buyback Scheme, with the first phase beginning on 2 November 2026.
The Commonwealth and NSW governments will share the cost of the scheme on a 50:50 basis.
It will provide compensation for eligible, legally held firearms affected by new ownership limits and changes to firearm classifications introduced under the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025.
The NSW Government estimates that up to 274,000 registered firearms, representing about 24 per cent of registered firearms in NSW, could be affected by the reforms.
Around 50,000 licence holders are estimated to be affected by the ownership limits and firearm reclassifications.
Under the new laws, most licence holders are subject to a limit of four firearms, while some categories — including primary producers, sporting shooters and people using firearms for certain occupational purposes — may hold up to 10 firearms, subject to exemptions and approvals.
Licensing Rules Also Tightened
A number of other firearm reforms have already begun taking effect.
Since 1 July 2026, standard NSW firearm licences can only be issued for a maximum of two years, down from the previous five-year option.
Renewal applications are also subject to increased scrutiny, including requirements for licence holders to provide evidence supporting their genuine reason for continuing to hold a firearms licence.
Other reforms include stronger eligibility and identity checks and changes to firearm classifications and magazine capacities.
The Coalition has argued that parts of the framework should be reviewed to determine whether they are appropriately targeted and has called for greater emphasis on illegal firearms and organised criminal networks.
Labor argues that reducing the number of firearms in circulation forms an important part of its broader public safety response.
Firearm Theft and Organised Crime Remain Key Issues
NSW Government figures show 778 firearms were reported stolen to NSW Police between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2026, equivalent to roughly one firearm per day.
NSW Police State Crime Command also seized 326 firearms between January and August 2026 during operations targeting serious and organised crime.
The firearms debate comes as the state government separately introduces tougher measures targeting organised crime and illegal gun violence.
One Nation has also publicly opposed firearm ownership caps, firearm reclassification and government-funded buyback schemes, arguing that policy should focus more heavily on illegal firearms and criminal activity.
Labor has sought to link the Coalition’s new position with One Nation’s firearms policy. The Coalition disputes that characterisation and says its policy is based on concerns about the implementation and targeting of the existing reforms.
The NSW buyback remains scheduled to begin on 2 November 2026, with its initial phase expected to run for 12 months unless future legislative or policy changes alter the program.
Be the first to comment