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.

They include restrictions on firearm imports, restrictions on how many guns can be owned, new offences for sharing or downloading instructions for making or modifying guns, and tougher background checks.

The government will also commence a national buyback scheme with the cost shared 50-50 between the state and federal governments. The Shooting Industry Foundation Australia estimates it could cost taxpayers about $15 billion (US $10.13 billion).

In response, Liberal Party state governments have not warmed to the scheme with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli outright saying his state would not participate, while the Northern Territory Country Liberal government has asked the Commonwealth to foot the entire bill.

The Tasmanian Liberal government has yet to offer a firm commitment.

“Queensland won’t be going down the path of a gun buyback because it doesn’t address anti-Semitism and hate, and it doesn’t focus on keeping guns out of the hands of terrorists and criminals,” Crisafulli told media in the regional city of Rockhampton.

“So that’s going to be our focus, and we’re determined to make sure that that focus gets it right and keeps our community safe.”

A graphic showing the number of Australian firearms across the country state by state created on Jan. 21, 2026. AAP Image/Joanna Kordina

Albanese said the current buyback scheme was modelled on the one introduced by the Howard government in 1996 where the states implemented aspects of the scheme.

“It is important to comprehend that state governments control the issue of licences, state governments control categories and state governments control gun limits,” he said.

“This legislation does not interfere with those arrangements.

“What the federal government controls is the importation of weapons. This is sensible reform, which includes stopping non-citizens from importing weapons.”

Crisafulli Says Federal Response ‘Chaotic’, State Will Act Soon

Crisafulli said his government had taken time to prepare its own reforms to deal with anti-Semitism.

“I’ve seen what’s unfolded in Canberra ... most Australians have looked at it and have thought it’s a very confusing debate and some might say even a little chaotic, and I don’t want that in Queensland,” he said.

“So we’ve taken the time and the response here in Queensland is going to be one that addresses those issues head-on and makes the community safer.

“I can confirm today that the new legislation will be introduced to the first sitting in parliament a couple of weeks’ time.”

Crisafulli’s message to the Jewish people of Australia was one of support.

“I can assure you to Queenslanders, we’re going to put you safety first, and we’re going to make sure that the embers that were burning that enabled this hatred to come to the fore will be dealt with front and centre.”

Crisafulli also noted that his government would take aim at loopholes favouring terrorists and criminals.

A police officer destroys a rifle at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre in Melbourne, Australia, on Aug. 11, 2017. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Enforce Existing Laws: Queensland MP

Former detective sergeant and current Queensland federal MP David Batt spoke in Parliament on Jan. 20 where he explained his opposition to more gun control.

“This bill is being pushed through with minimal opportunity for scrutiny, even though it is a proposed response to the worst terrorist attack in Australia’s history, and it risks punishing law-abiding Australians while failing to address the real causes of extremism and terrorism,” he said.

“We don’t need these laws to stop another Bondi. We just need to enforce the laws we already have, with law enforcement agencies working more cooperatively.

“The reality is this—do you honestly believe that, by spending a billion dollars trying to take guns off Australians, you are actually going to take the guns off criminals and terrorists, not the innocent Australians?”

In addition, Batt stated that the new gun laws would have a significant impact on local businesses.

“Many people strongly opposed to these gun laws have contacted my office—legitimate businesses with contracts that could collapse,” he said. “Some of these contracts are with this federal government, our state government and our local councils.”

Albanese Says Farmers Won’t be Targeted

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the gun reforms would not target farmers and legal gun owners.

“This legislation is not about targeting farmers. It’s not about competitive shooters. It’s not about those who are law-abiding firearm owners.” he told Parliament.

“This federal bill will establish a national gun buyback scheme to purchase surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms.”