Albanese to press states on national gun buyback despite Queensland and NT refusals
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will push national cabinet at Friday’s meeting to finalise details of the federal government’s looming gun buyback program, even as Queensland and the Northern Territory refuse to sign up, the Guardian reports. Laws establishing the buyback were rushed through parliament last week in response to the Bondi beach terror attack; the federal government describes the expected cost as "significant" and intends to split it 50:50 with the states.
Under the federal laws, state governments will be responsible for collection and processing of surrendered guns and the Australian federal police is expected to lead destruction. There are more than 4 million registered guns in Australia, the article says. Victoria has announced a rapid review led by former top police officer Ken Lay that will consider the number of firearms an individual can own and is due to report in March; the state has nearly 975,000 registered guns, the article says.
Tasmania’s police minister, Felix Ellis, said the state Liberal government would not rush through federal proposals, and that it "supports stronger laws" along with better ASIO intelligence sharing, accelerating the National Firearms Register and citizenship requirements for licences.
The article says the buyback’s cost is expected to be more than $20m for Tasmania and notes "150,00" registered guns in the state.
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