Albanese Announces National Gun Buyback After Bondi Terror Attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback scheme on December 19, 2025, following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that left 15 people dead. The initiative, modeled on the 1996 program after Port Arthur, will see states and territories collect firearms while the Australian Federal Police destroy them, with costs split 50-50 between federal and state governments. Albanese cited that one of the attackers held a firearms license and owned six guns despite living in suburban Sydney. He noted Australia now has over four million firearms—more than at Port Arthur. The buyback complements other gun control measures being pursued after a national cabinet meeting. NSW Premier Chris Minns separately announced new restrictions on public assemblies near terrorist incidents and a ban on ISIS flags in NSW. Seven men from Victoria were briefly detained in Liverpool over suspected extremist plans but released due to insufficient evidence. Sunday was declared a Day of Reflection to honor the victims.