Federal government to fund majority of ACT gun buyback scheme

The ACT and federal governments have come to an agreement on how a national gun buyback scheme will be funded in the territory. The federal government will fund 75 per cent of the buybacks and associated administrative costs, and 100 per cent of the firearm destruction costs, with the ACT government funding the rest. What's next? Details about when the scheme will begin in the ACT and what compensation will be offered are expected to be announced in the coming days. The ACT will introduce a gun buyback scheme similar to the one in NSW, as part of a national push to strengthen Australia's gun laws. The ACT committed to being part of the scheme after it was announced in the wake of the attack, but until now has remained in negotiation with the federal government over how it would be funded. The agreement will see the Commonwealth government fund 75 per cent of the buyback and associated administrative costs, and 100 per cent of the firearm destruction costs, with the ACT government funding the rest. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that the scheme was about taking action to keep communities safe. "National gun reform is an important part of making sure an antisemitic terrorist attack like we saw at Bondi can't happen again," Mr Albanese said. "I thank the ACT government for their collaboration as we work to take guns off our streets in order to better protect Australians." Currently there are about 23,000 firearms in the ACT, and over 7,000 people who hold a firearms licence. About 14 per cent of those licence holders are expected to be affected by the proposed firearms cap. No further details have been given about what date the scheme will begin in the territory, or what compensation will be offered per surrendered firearm. 'Some of the strongest firearms laws in the country' In a statement, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the agreement with the federal government strengthened community safety, and supported effective firearm reforms across jurisdictions. "Reducing the number of high-risk firearms in circulation is a sensible and practical measure to help keep Canberrans safer," he said. "Working with the Commonwealth and NSW ensures a more coordinated approach to firearms safety. "The ACT has some of the strongest firearms laws in the country and this agreement supports our ongoing efforts to further reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands." Mr Barr acknowledged that "the overwhelming majority" of licensed gun owners were responsible and law-abiding citizens. "The buyback scheme will provide compensation while helping deliver further community safety outcomes," Mr Barr said.