Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a sweeping national firearm buyback scheme and tougher ownership limits in response to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack of December 14, which killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.

Albanese noted that Australia now has more guns than before the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, despite landmark reforms that followed. “Non-citizens have no need to own a gun. Someone in suburban Sydney has no need to own six,” he said, referencing one suspect’s arsenal.

“The deadly terrorist attack can never happen again. Tougher gun laws aren’t the whole answer, but we will do everything to keep Australians safe.” - Albanese

The buyback, coordinated with states and territories, will target newly banned and illegal weapons, focusing on categories deemed unnecessary for legitimate civilian use. Additional measures include stricter licensing checks and reviews.

Albanese also declared Sunday, December 21, a “Day of Reflection”, urging Australians to light a candle and observe a minute’s silence at 6:47 p.m., exactly one week after the attack, as an act of remembrance and solidarity with the Jewish community.

He praised intelligence services for their ongoing investigation, saying: “Working around the clock... they have our full support.”

The announcement comes after charges were filed against surviving suspect Naveed Akram, who faces 59 offences including murder and terrorism, and as funerals for victims continue.