Australia Launches Gun Buyback Program After Sydney Bondi Beach Attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that New South Wales will implement a gun buyback program starting November 2 as part of the national response to the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach last year. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah event organized by Chabad for the Jewish community, resulted in 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. The perpetrators, a father and son, used legally obtained firearms.

The government and New South Wales authorities will offer compensation of up to 1,000 Australian dollars for each surrendered weapon. This initiative follows a precedent set after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where 35 people were killed. Albanese highlighted that Australia currently has more firearms than during the previous buyback program following the Port Arthur tragedy.

New South Wales, the country's most populous state with over 1.1 million firearms out of Australia's total 4.1 million, has also introduced reforms limiting residents to owning a maximum of four guns. The Bondi Beach attack shocked the nation and reignited debates on gun control measures. The event drew over 1,000 attendees, including Israeli citizens, some of whom narrowly escaped the shooting. The government’s renewed efforts aim to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety in the wake of this tragedy.