Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new national firearms buyback program, stating that “hundreds of thousands of firearms will be collected and destroyed” as part of the government’s response to a recent deadly terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach area.

Speaking this week, Albanese said the initiative is modeled on Australia’s landmark 1996 gun reforms introduced after the Port Arthur massacre, which imposed sweeping firearm restrictions and led to the compulsory buyback and destruction of more than 600,000 weapons nationwide.

The prime minister framed the renewed effort as a public safety measure aimed at reducing the availability of firearms and preventing future acts of violence. Government officials indicated the program would target prohibited and high-risk weapons, with further legislative and funding details expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from opponents, particularly online and in conservative media, who argue that gun buybacks disproportionately affect law-abiding firearm owners while doing little to deter criminals or terrorists. Several critics contend that individuals intent on violence are unlikely to surrender weapons voluntarily and warn the policy could leave civilians more vulnerable.

Some community advocates, including members of Australia’s Jewish community, have expressed concern that the measures come amid a rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide. They argue that disarming legal firearm owners does not adequately address targeted security threats and should be paired with stronger law enforcement and counterterrorism protections.

Supporters of the policy counter that Australia’s strict gun laws have been effective in reducing gun-related deaths over the past three decades and that limiting access to firearms remains a cornerstone of national security and public safety strategy.

The federal government says consultations with state and territory authorities are underway, and implementation details—including timelines, compensation terms, and enforcement mechanisms—will be released as the program advances.