State With 2nd Highest Number of Guns Refuses to Join Buyback Scheme

‘Queensland won’t be going down the path of a gun buyback because it doesn’t address anti-Semitism and hate,’ said Premier David Crisafulli.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli speak at a press conference at the Kedron State Emergency headquarters in Brisbane, Australia on March 5, 2025. AAP Image/Jono Searle

The state with the second highest volume of guns in Australia will not take part in the federal Labor government’s gun buyback scheme set up in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack.

On Jan. 20, the Australian Parliament passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026, which includes a plethora of new gun restrictions.