In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach, the Australian government has announced a sweeping national gun buyback scheme and pledged to tighten firearm laws.
National Response to a Tragedy
The measures come as a direct response to the shootings on Sunday, 15 December 2025, where two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating Hanukkah. Fifteen people were killed and dozens more wounded in the attack, which authorities believe was inspired by the Islamic State.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, announcing the policy on Friday, 19 December 2025, drew a direct line to Australia's last major gun law reforms following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. "Australia's gun laws were last substantially reformed in the wake of the Port Arthur tragedy," Mr Albanese stated. "The terrible events at Bondi show we need to get more guns off our streets."
Proposed Reforms and Community Mourning
The proposed reforms, to be enacted in cooperation with state governments like New South Wales, aim to target surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has vowed to recall the state parliament next week to pass what he calls the "toughest gun law reforms in the country."
Key changes will include:
- Limiting firearm ownership to four guns per person.
- Tightening licensing requirements.
- Restricting access to high-risk weapons and components.
The announcement coincided with a day of mourning and tribute at Bondi Beach. Australia's Jewish community gathered for prayers, while hundreds of surfers and swimmers formed a vast circle in the sea in a poignant 'paddle-out' tribute to the victims.
Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt of Sydney's Central Synagogue highlighted the community's anxiety, telling ABC News that many had questioned their welcome in Australia after witnessing weekly calls for their death on the streets over the past two years.
Scrutiny of Existing Laws and a Hero Recognised
The government's resolve was underscored by the revelation that one of the attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram who was killed at the scene, held a firearm licence and had six guns legally registered. "If a man in Sydney's suburbs needs 'six high-powered rifles and is able to get them under existing licensing schemes, then there's something wrong," Prime Minister Albanese argued.
As funerals for the victims continued, including for the heroic couple Boris and Sofia Gurman who died trying to stop a gunman, a moment of light emerged. Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who wrestled a gun from one of the attackers, was presented with a cheque for over A$2.5 million (£1.23m) raised through an online fundraiser.
The federal government has also promised to strengthen hate speech laws, facing criticism over its handling of a surge in antisemitism since the start of the Gaza war. The planned buyback echoes the successful 1996 scheme which saw approximately 640,000 firearms surrendered at a cost of around A$304 million (£150m) in compensation.
