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Queensland Rejects Gun Buyback, Plans New Legislation

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Queensland government has rejected the national gun buyback scheme, marking a setback for the Albanese administration's response to the Bondi massacre.
After a lengthy cabinet meeting, state ministers decided to introduce new legislation in February addressing hate speech and gun control.
Queensland's stance places it alongside Tasmania and the Northern Territory, which have also opted out of the buyback initiative.

History

Historical Context

Following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, Australia enacted the National Firearms Agreement, leading to the removal of over 650,000 firearms through a buyback program. Despite this, recent rejections of a national buyback by Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory reveal ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over gun control, potentially undermining efforts to reduce gun violence and unify legislation across the country.

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Story summary

The Queensland government has rejected the national gun buyback scheme, marking a setback for the Albanese administration's response to the Bondi massacre.
After a lengthy cabinet meeting, state ministers decided to introduce new legislation in February addressing hate speech and gun control.
Queensland's stance places it alongside Tasmania and the Northern Territory, which have also opted out of the buyback initiative.

1 / 2