Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan has again hit out against the new gun buyback reforms which came into effect this week and advised registered firearm owners not to surrender their guns.
Speaking on STA FM, Mr Moylan says by removing firearms from licensed, vetted and regulated shooters in NSW already operating under the most stringent firearms licensing system in the world won’t affect criminals’ ability to attain weapons.
Mr Moylan says theses new laws was a knee-jerk reaction to the Bondi terror attacks adding the NSW government should have targeted the terrorists and the anti-semiticism that occurred prior to the massacre.
He says the NSW Coalition will repeal the new gun reforms if elected next March.
In a statement to STA FM and on behalf of Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, NSW Police Force stated the NSW Government’s highest duty is to protect the people of NSW adding these reforms, the most significant and comprehensive firearms reforms in NSW in over two decades, include capping and restricting the number and types of firearms, strengthening firearms licence checks and accountability, and strengthening oversight, storage and compliance.
Full Statement
Thank you for your correspondence to Hon Yasmin Catley MP, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter regarding the changes made to firearms laws in NSW and the Firearms Buyback Scheme. The Minister has asked that the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) respond on her behalf.
The NSW Government’s highest duty is to protect the people of NSW. In response to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on 14 December 2025, the NSW Government took immediate steps to protect the community, including through reforms to the Firearms Act 1996. Community safety comes first, and NSW is taking strong action.
The reforms passed by the NSW Parliament on 24 December 2025 are consistent with the underlying principles of the Firearms Act 1996 that the possession and use of firearms are a privilege, conditional on the overriding need to ensure public safety. These reforms are the most significant and comprehensive firearms reforms in NSW in over two decades and include capping and restricting the number and types of firearms, strengthening firearms licence checks and accountability, and strengthening oversight, storage and compliance.
The NSWPF is implementing the National Gun Buyback Scheme in stages across NSW with Phase 1 commencing on 2 November 2026.
NSW will be the first state to commence the National Gun Buyback Scheme. Information on the Buyback Scheme, including on eligibility and Industry support, is now available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/gun-buyback.
The Firearms Registry website includes information on the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (TOLA), progress of implementation activities, and the Buyback Scheme at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms.
Further information will be released progressively throughout the rollout to ensure licence holders, dealers and businesses receive clear information and practical support throughout the process.
Statement: NSW Police Force
