Anthony Albanese’s plans to hold the biggest national gun buyback since the Port Arthur massacre have suffered a major blow, with states and territories pushing back on a proposal to split the mooted $1bn cost of implementing the scheme.
It’s understood multiple jurisdictions on Friday railed against a lack of detail and the cost to states and territories holding the buyback, which was one of the commonwealth’s first major commitments in the wake of the Bondi massacre.
The meeting on Friday afternoon of the country’s police ministers and attorneys-general, headed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, resulted in frustrations boiling over regarding how the scheme would be paid for, after the federal government initially announced the cost would be split 50-50 with jurisdictions.
Tasmanian Police Minister Felix Ellis said after the meeting he expected the commonwealth to pay the full cost of the buyback.
“Our estimates show a buyback could cost Tasmanians $20m, and we believe the commonwealth should foot the bill for this, as occurred in 1996,” he said.
Could be genuine pushback or the States playing hardball looking to swing a deal with the Feds.
I say implement the national license and firearm database and Grandfather questionable firearms. Save Australian taxpayers $1-$15 Billion dollars which is better spent on firearm safety programs among other things.
