Following the tragic antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in December 2022, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback program, marking a significant attempt to reduce gun ownership since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. The initiative aims to address public safety concerns, but the response has been mixed. In New South Wales, gun license applications skyrocketed by nearly 700%, jumping from about 1,200 to over 2,100 in just four weeks after the attack. This surge indicates a potential counterproductive effect of the proposed reforms, as many individuals are seeking to obtain licenses under the guise of sport shooting. While NSW supports the buyback, other states like Queensland and South Australia have rejected participation, citing various reasons including political pressures and existing gun culture. The Australian Institute highlighted that there are currently more than 4 million legally owned firearms in the country, reflecting a 25% increase since the 1996 reforms. Advocates like Sarah Davies from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation emphasize that firearm ownership should be viewed as a privilege and stress the need for effective legislation to enhance community safety. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, and the political landscape surrounding gun ownership in Australia continues to be fraught with challenges.