Australian state launches gun buyback scheme in November

Australia's New South Wales will become the first state to implement a national gun buyback scheme starting November 2. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the initiative alongside the state's premier, Chris Minns, emphasizing its role in removing firearms from the streets.

This program is a key measure following a tragic shooting in December at a Jewish festival on Sydney's Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives. The perpetrators used legally acquired high-powered firearms. The federal and state governments are collaborating on this buyback, marking a significant step in Australia's ongoing efforts to enhance gun control.

The scheme is anticipated to be the largest buyback operation since 1996, when Australia enacted stricter gun laws after a mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, that killed 35 people. Despite previous measures, the number of firearms in Australia has reportedly increased since 1996. The government aims to address this by offering compensation of up to AUD 1,000 (approximately 4,600 Danish kroner) per firearm surrendered. The initiative is jointly funded by the federal and New South Wales governments.