Australia is set to introduce a national gun buyback scheme following the tragic Bondi Beach shooting that claimed 15 lives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the initiative, aiming to “get more guns off our streets” and tighten gun control laws. The scheme will target surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms, with costs shared between federal and state governments. This move mirrors Australia’s response to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people were killed, leading to some of the world’s toughest gun laws.
The announcement comes as hundreds of swimmers and surfers gathered at Bondi Beach to pay tribute to the victims, forming a circle in the water and splashing in solidarity. The community is still reeling from the attack, which has sparked concerns about antisemitism and terrorism. Authorities have detained seven men in connection with a possible plot, although no link to the Bondi gunmen has been confirmed.
The gun buyback scheme is expected to collect and destroy hundreds of thousands of firearms, with the federal government working closely with states and territories to implement the plan. This development has been welcomed by the community, with many calling for stricter gun laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
