A national gun buyback scheme introduced in the wake of a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach has stalled, with a majority of Australian states and territories declining to join the program by the March 2026 deadline set by the federal government.

The buyback was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in December 2025, days after a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on 14 December killed 15 people and injured 40. The federal government called on states and territories to agree to new firearm law reforms by March 2026, with legislation to follow by 1 July 2026.

States and territories that did not sign up cited concerns including the cost implications of the scheme, restrictions placed on law-abiding firearms owners, and the absence of consultation with affected communities. Some jurisdictions noted they already operated their own voluntary buyback schemes.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey, whose electorate covers a large portion of regional NSW including communities across the Far West and Murrumbidgee, said the result reflected a flawed process from the outset.

“Both the New South Wales and Federal Labor governments charged into these reforms boots-and-all following the horrific events at Bondi on 14 December,” Mr Chaffey said. “It was not a considered or an effective response. It was a desperate attempt to be seen to be doing something.”

Mr Chaffey said the reforms had been made without any consultation with those most affected.

“These changes were rushed through without any consultation with gun owners, and they have had huge consequences for farmers, for sports shooters and for gun-shop owners,” he said.

Mr Chaffey called for compensation at market value for affected firearms and equipment, as well as support packages for firearm suppliers and funding for sporting clubs to accommodate the changes.

“It is just common sense that there should be fair compensation at market value for the firearms, ammunition, accessories and special equipment that are handed in,” he said. “There also needs to be support packages for firearm suppliers to ensure their doors can remain open.”

He said the outcome of the scheme had left regional communities without direction.

“This response to a tragic event has been a series of misfires, and I am sorely disappointed on behalf of not only people in my own electorate of Parkes, but all Australians, who deserve better,” Mr Chaffey said.

This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 26 April 2026.