Full Breakdown
NSW Liberals Propose to Freeze Gun Buyback and Scrap Ownership Caps
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Policy Shift
On September 19, 2026 the NSW Liberal Party, led by opposition leader Kellie Sloane and federal figure Angus Taylor, announced that a future Liberal-Nationals government would freeze the state’s gun-buyback program and eliminate ownership caps for farmers and sporting shooters. The proposal would be subject to a commission of inquiry and stakeholder feedback before any legislative change.
Political Context and Election Stakes
The policy reversal follows the party’s earlier support for the national gun-buyback announced after the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, 2025. Analysts note that the shift appears aimed at courting voters in regional NSW and western Sydney where One Nation and its leader Pauline Hanson have strong support. The Resolve Political Monitor poll cited in coverage shows 63 percent overall support for the existing gun reforms, but only 45 percent among One Nation backers. Five of the Liberals’ eleven marginal seats sit within five percent of the vote in inner-Sydney districts, making the strategy a potential gamble.
Official Statements & Responses
Angus Taylor did not address One Nation directly in his 25-minute speech, suggesting criticism could alienate wavering Coalition voters. Labor Premier Chris Minns framed One Nation as Labor’s biggest threat, noting that a government collapse could lead to a One Nation-led administration.
Data & Statistics
- Resolve Political Monitor poll: 63 % of voters support the current gun reforms; 45 % of One Nation supporters do so.
- The proposed freeze would halt the buyback that began after the December 2025 Bondi attack, which initially cost the state “hundreds of millions of dollars” to remove firearms from law-abiding citizens.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An elected Liberals-Nationals government would have a commission of inquiry to look at gun reform to make sure we are targeting the terrorists, we're targeting organised crime, we are taking guns out of dangerous hands.” — Ms Sloane