NSW firearms buyback begins with 2430 booked for surrender

New South Wales’ controversial firearms buyback began on November 2, 2026, with 331 appointments booked to surrender 2430 legally held firearms, despite concerns that the scheme targets law-abiding licence holders rather than criminals possessing illegal firearms.

Introduced by the Minns Government following the December 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack, the 12-month scheme aims to improve public safety by reducing firearm numbers. However, forcing licensed owners to surrender legally acquired firearms raises serious questions about whether the measures will make NSW streets safer.

Six police stations began accepting firearms on November 2, with another 34 joining on December 1. The government expects 146 stations to participate by February 2027, leaving many regional owners facing potentially lengthy journeys.

Thousands booked for surrender
According to the NSW Government, the 331 appointments cover 2430 firearms and 194 ammunition items weighing at least one kilogram each. These are bookings, not completed surrenders.

The initial collection points are Sutherland, Penrith, Narellan, Grafton, Griffith and Dubbo. Bookings for additional stations open on November 24, with all surrenders requiring an appointment through the NSW Police Gun Safe portal.

The government estimates 18 per cent of NSW firearm licence holders are affected by the new ownership limits and reclassifications, with up to 274,000 firearms potentially eligible for surrender.

Compensation and ownership limits
Eligible centrefire rifles and revolvers attract $1000 compensation, semi-automatic handguns and double-barrel shotguns $850, single-barrel shotguns $650, rimfire rifles $600 and air rifles $450.

Owners may also receive a single $150 payment for surrendering at least one kilogram of ammunition with an eligible firearm. Payments are generally expected within 10 days.

A second phase, expected in early 2027, will provide an independent valuation pathway for eligible firearms worth more than $3000, with compensation capped at $10,000 per firearm and a fee applying.

The reforms generally restrict recreational hunting and vermin control licence holders to four firearms, while those with other qualifying genuine reasons, including primary production, target shooting and vertebrate pest animal control, may be permitted up to 10. Limited exemptions for additional firearms are also proposed.

Dealer assistance under scrutiny
Affected licensed firearms dealers reporting a sales decline of at least 30 per cent during 2026 can apply for a one-off grant of up to $25,000, alongside licence-fee relief of up to $500.

However, a Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia survey previously reported an average estimated financial impact of $315,595 among participating businesses. The maximum grant represents less than eight per cent of that figure.

Small Business Minister Janelle Saffin said further assistance was planned for 2027, although details remain unclear.

While the government argues reducing firearm numbers will improve public safety, including by limiting opportunities for theft, the buyback primarily affects licensed owners rather than those already possessing firearms illegally. The distinction remains central to opposition to the scheme, alongside its financial and practical consequences for responsible firearm owners and businesses.

Further information is available through the NSW Police Gun Buyback service on 1800 131 555 or the NSW Government website.