Kathmandu— Following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which killed fifteen people, Australia is implementing new measures to reduce gun ownership. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Sunday that New South Wales will begin a gun buyback scheme in November, alongside tighter checks for gun licenses and a crackdown on hate. The move comes as the country grapples with a record number of firearms owned by citizens.

Background: Australia’s History of Gun Control

Australia enacted sweeping restrictions on firearm ownership after the 1996 Port Arthur attack, in which a lone gunman killed thirty-five people. This led to a national gun buyback program at that time. However, Prime Minister Albanese noted that there are now more guns in Australia than existed when the initial buyback took place. Australians owned a record 4.1 million firearms last year, with over 1.1 million of those located in New South Wales.

Details of the Buyback Scheme

The New South Wales gun buyback scheme is scheduled to begin on November 2nd. The state will offer up to 1,000 Australian dollars (approximately $700 USD) per handgun or rifle voluntarily surrendered by owners. This initiative aims to reduce the number of legally obtained firearms in circulation following the Bondi Beach attack, where the alleged gunmen used powerful weapons acquired legally.

Bondi Attack and Ongoing Investigation

The December 14th attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach resulted in fifteen fatalities. Police have stated that the attack was carried out by a father and son duo allegedly inspired by ISIL (ISIS). The surviving suspect, Naveed Akram, age 24, faces multiple charges including fifteen counts of murder but has yet to enter pleas. New South Wales state has already introduced laws limiting gun ownership to four firearms per person.

The implementation of the buyback scheme and tighter regulations represents a significant step in Australia’s ongoing efforts to address gun violence and enhance public safety.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.