The biggest gun buyback in 30 years is under way, and Grafton Police Station is one of only six in NSW taking surrendered firearms as it kicks off. But a North Coast federal MP is telling gun owners to hold their fire.
From Monday, 2 November, licence holders who signed up for Phase 1 of the National Gun Buyback began surrendering firearms, with compensation to be paid within 10 days.
Appointments opened last week, and 331 have already been booked to surrender 2,430 firearms and 194 ammunition items of one kilogram or more.
Grafton is one of the first six stations accepting surrenders, along with Sutherland, Penrith, Narellan, Griffith, and Dubbo.
Another 34 stations will come online from Tuesday, 1 December, with more in the new year. By February, 146 police stations across the state will be accepting surrenders.
“This is fundamentally about reducing gun violence, reducing crime and keeping people safe,” said Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns.
“Fewer unnecessary firearms in circulation means fewer opportunities for them to fall into the wrong hands.”
Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has a very different message for licensed firearms owners.
“Don’t rush to hand over your firearms, know your rights, understand your options and get advice before making a decision you cannot reverse,” Ms Penfold said.
“The buyback is scheduled to run for 12 months, and the new ownership limits and reclassifications affecting existing owners have not yet commenced.
“There is no need to panic.
“Importantly, NSW goes to the polls on 13 March next year, well before the buyback closes.”
Ms Penfold said the scheme punished responsible firearms owners rather than targeting criminals, organised crime gangs, and the illegal firearms trade.
“The Nationals have opposed these laws at both State and Federal levels; we remain committed to their repeal, and changing the Minns Labor Government in March is central to that effort,” she said.
The buyback follows the Bondi terror attack, which claimed 15 lives. The NSW Government then passed legislation it says gives the state the strongest gun laws in the country.
Establishing a buyback was a direct recommendation of the interim report of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
The reforms also include mandatory safe storage checks, stronger identity checks, cutting firearm licence periods from five years to two, and tighter review rights for licensing decisions.
About 18 per cent of NSW firearm licence holders are affected by the new caps and reclassifications, with up to 274,000 firearms estimated to be eligible for surrender.
“There are more firearms in circulation in Australia today than there were before Port Arthur,” Mr Minns said.
“We have made a deliberate decision to put community safety first by reducing the number of firearms in our community, and I make no apologies for that.”
Ms Penfold said the Premier was leaving out part of the picture.
“What they conveniently leave out is that Australia’s population has grown by more than 50 per cent, while the estimated number of firearms has increased by less than 30 per cent,” she said.
She said the laws showed a fundamental misunderstanding of regional Australia, where firearms were essential tools for farming, pest management, and animal welfare.
“Across Lyne, farmers are dealing with feral pigs, wild dogs and deer that damage crops, destroy the environment and threaten livestock,” Ms Penfold said.
“These are people who meet licensing requirements, submit to background checks and comply with strict storage rules.
“Yet they are being made to pay the price for the crimes of terrorists and organised crime gangs.”
Phase 1 compensation is paid under a fixed price schedule ranging from $450 to $1,000, plus a flat $150 payment for associated ammunition of 1kg or more.
Phase 2, starting in early 2027, will offer a pathway to compensation, for a fee, for eligible higher-value firearms with an indicative market value above $3,000, capped at $10,000 per firearm.
Ms Penfold said owners stood to lose out.
“Now they face surrendering legally acquired property, potentially for compensation well below its actual value,” she said.
“For those forced to surrender firearms under Labor’s restrictions, this is compulsory acquisition dressed up as a voluntary buyback.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley urged gun owners not to turn up at police stations unannounced.
“I can’t stress this enough: Gun owners must continue to make appointments at participating police stations to surrender,” Ms Catley said.
“Please do not walk into a police station with weapons without an appointment.
“The Buyback runs for 12 months, there is enough time for everyone to participate.”
Licence holders must book through the Gun Safe portal. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Firearms dealers are also getting help. Eligible licensed dealers whose sales have dropped by 30 per cent or more in 2026 can apply for a one-off support payment of up to $25,000, and up to $500 in licence fee relief.
“This is the first stage of business support being provided with more to come in the new year,” said Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin.
“We will continue working with the firearm industry to make sure the rollout of these reforms is managed in a safe, orderly and responsible way.”
People with unregistered firearms cannot be paid under the buyback and should surrender them under the National Firearms Amnesty. Details are at https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms/amnesty.
Licence holders unsure whether or how to take part can call the Gun Buyback line on 1800 131 555, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, or visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms/national_gun_buyback_scheme.
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