NSW gun industry urges buyback repeal as sales plummet

Lead

Gun dealers across New South Wales and South Australia say sales have plummeted since new firearm restrictions were introduced following last year's Bondi attack, and the industry is now questioning the effectiveness of the national buyback scheme that NSW is the only state to have signed on to.

Coverage comparison

ABC Australia reports that several states have implemented their own schemes instead of joining the National Gun Buyback Scheme, with NSW being the only state to sign on. New laws in NSW limit individuals to four firearms, while primary producers can own up to ten. Gun shop owners report significant drops in business, with one Dubbo shop owner describing a 90 per cent decline and customers failing to collect firearms on lay-by. Long delays in licence approvals have also been reported in Sydney.

In South Australia, ABC Australia reports a significant downturn in sales, with one Port Pirie dealer saying he has not sold a firearm in weeks and his books have been "in the red" since January. Uncertainty over the federal government's proposed national reforms, including limits on firearm ownership, has left customers questioning whether they will be able to keep their guns. The federal government has set a target for national gun reforms to be legislated in each state and territory no later than July 1, with the overarching framework aiming to standardise restrictions across jurisdictions by July 2026.

Separately, ABC Australia reports that Victoria has decided not to introduce caps on firearm ownership, one of 16 recommendations from a review into the state's gun laws. The decision has been welcomed by the Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia and criticized by opposition parties.

Key claims

• NSW is the only state to have signed on to the National Gun Buyback Scheme.
• New laws in NSW limit individuals to four firearms, while primary producers can own up to ten.
• Gun shop owners report a significant drop in sales due to the new laws, with one Dubbo dealer citing a 90 per cent fall in business.
• South Australia does not have a cap on the number of firearms an individual can own.
• The Victorian government will not introduce caps on firearm ownership, despite a review recommending a limit of four per licence holder.
• The review proposed citizenship requirements for gun holders in Victoria, limiting eligibility to Australian citizens or New Zealanders with permanent residency.
• The federal government has set a target for national gun reforms to be legislated in each state and territory no later than July 1.

Perspectives

Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia: Welcomed the Victorian government's decision not to introduce firearm caps, which the foundation sees as a commonsense approach that recognizes the law-abiding nature of most gun owners.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan: Defended the decision, saying caps would not effectively target criminals who obtain guns illegally, and noting that the overwhelming majority of firearm owners are law-abiding.

NSW and South Australian gun shop owners: Report severe declines in sales and customer uncertainty, with some laying off staff and reducing trading days, attributing the downturn to the new laws and lack of clear communication from government.

Opposition parties (Victoria): Criticized the Victorian government's decision not to introduce caps, arguing that the government has failed to address community safety concerns.