The state’s firearms buyback starts on Monday, 2 November, and the Nationals say nobody knows the rules yet.
Grafton Police Station is among the first six locations in NSW that will accept surrendered firearms. The Nationals say that puts extra demands on police who should be fighting crime.
Coffs Harbour MP and NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said Police Minister Yasmin Catley revealed the details to media in Sydney on Monday, 26 October. Mr Singh said she admitted the regulations had been in the works for “almost two years”, but would not go to Parliament until next year.
“Why would anyone participate in the buyback before seeing the regulations or list of exemptions,” Mr Singh said.
“If you weren’t convinced after Labor gagged regional MPs from speaking on the flawed buyback in Parliament, this is further proof that Labor has abandoned regional communities and law-abiding firearms owners.”
The timing has also raised eyebrows in Tamworth. Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals Kevin Anderson said it was unworkable for the buyback to start during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
“It’s clear no consultation was done,” Mr Anderson said.
“Local police need to be on the streets keeping us safe during our busiest time of the year.”
“I’ll be calling on the Minns Labor Government to change this immediately.”
Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson said Ms Catley’s announcement raised more questions than answers. He called the scheme uncosted, unfair, and unworkable.
“How can the Government expect people to surrender legally owned firearms when the rules aren’t even finalised?” Mr Williamson said.
“This is policy being made on the run, without proper consultation, transparency or a fair go for regional communities.”
Mr Williamson said the scheme targets registered firearms held by licensed owners, and not illegal guns already in the hands of criminals. He said it would hit people in the Clarence and Richmond valleys hard.
“In the Clarence and Richmond valleys, farmers rely on firearms to manage properties, protect livestock and control feral animals,” he said.
“Recreational hunters also play an important role in pest management.”
The Nationals have made a promise. Mr Williamson said the party will scrap Labor’s firearms caps and buyback scheme if elected on Saturday, 13 March 2027. He said it would also properly resource the NSW Firearms Registry and lift the maximum penalty for firearms trafficking to life imprisonment.
Mr Williamson called on the Government to release the full regulations, clarify all proposed exemptions, and be open about the scheme’s total cost and the policing resources it needs.
“Regional NSW deserves better than this rushed and unfair approach,” he said.
“Labor has stopped listening to regional communities, and this botched buyback is another example of a Government that has lost touch.”
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