Australia launches gun buyback plan

The Australian government plans the biggest gun buyback scheme in 30 years following the Bondi Beach mass shooting that killed 15 people

Advertising for firearms amnesty in 2017

PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS
(Millions, 1996-2024)*

2025: New gun buyback scheme will purchase surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms, and will be funded on 50-50 basis with states and territories

1996: 3,200,000 firearms.
Port Arthur massacre leaves 35 people dead and prompts authorities to enact sweeping gun laws

Subsequent buyback and amnesty sees around 650,000 weapons destroyed

2024: 4,078,746 guns – 25% higher than in 1996

*Data up to 2017 includes estimates for illicit guns

2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
1996
2000
2004
2008
2012
2016
2020
2024

NATIONAL CABINET REFORM MEASURES

Impose limits on number of firearms held by any one individual

Accelerate development of National Firearms Register

Make Australian citizenship a condition of holding firearm licence

Expand use of criminal intelligence to assess firearm licensing eligibility

Restrict open-ended firearm licences

Limit types of firearms and firearm modifications that are legal in country

Sources: GunPolicy.org, Australia Institute
Picture: Attorney-General’s Department
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