Australia announces gun buyback scheme after Bondi shooting

The Australian government has announced a gun buyback scheme following, the country’s deadliest mass shooting in decades. It is the largest buyback since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The Bondi Beach attack is country’s deadliest mass attack in decades, left 15 dead and dozens injured when two gunmen, inspired by Islamic State ideology, opened fire at a Jewish festival. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday as he outlined plans for a sweeping gun buyback scheme."Australia's gun laws were substantially reformed after the Port Arthur tragedy," Albanese said. Albanese urged Australians to light candles at 6:47pm on Sunday, December 21 – "exactly one week since the attack unfolded." "This day is about standing with the Jewish community, wrapping our arms around them, and all Australians sharing their grief," Albanese told reporters."It is a moment to pause, reflect, and affirm that hatred and violence will never define who we are as Australians." Australia was also planning a separate "national day of mourning" to be held at some point in the new year, Albanese said.

Sunday 21 December will be a Day of Reflection to honour the victims of the horrific Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

Light a candle and observe a minute of silence at 6:47 PM, exactly one week on, as a quiet act of remembrance.

This day is about standing with the Jewish… pic.twitter.com/rKVUMeq4Hm

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 19, 2025

Sydney remains on high alert almost a week on from the shootings. Armed police released seven men from custody Friday, a day after detaining them on a tip they may have been plotting a "violent act" at Bondi Beach. Police said there was no established link with the alleged Bondi gunmen and "no immediate safety risk to the community". Many hundreds returned to the ocean off Bondi Beach on Friday in another gesture to honour the dead.