Australia's capital to join gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack

Canberra, Australia's capital, will participate in a national gun buyback program, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced, as the country strengthens its response to a recent deadly attack. The move aims to enhance public safety and prevent future acts of violence, particularly those motivated by hate.

The decision follows a shooting spree that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration at a Sydney shopping center on December 14, 2025. The attack, which authorities are investigating as an anti-Semitic terrorist act, has prompted a renewed focus on gun control measures.

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I thank the ACT Government for their collaboration as we work to take guns off our streets in order to better protect Australians.

The federal government had already enacted laws in January to facilitate the gun buyback, implement stricter checks for firearm licenses, and crack down on hate speech. The Australian Capital Territory's commitment marks a significant step in the national effort to remove firearms from circulation and improve security. The state of New South Wales, Australia's most populous, was the first to commit to the plan, which is set to launch on November 2.

Albanese expressed gratitude for the ACT government's collaboration, emphasizing the shared goal of making streets safer and preventing similar tragedies. The ACT has a significant number of registered firearms and license holders, and its participation is expected to bolster the effectiveness of the buyback initiative. This latest buyback program is one of the largest in Australia since a similar campaign following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

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an anti-Semitic terrorist attack like we saw at Bondi can’t happen again