// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Australian state to launch gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack
Mourners placed tributes after 15 people were murdered near Bondi Beach
Australia's most populous state will launch a gun buyback scheme later this year, becoming the first to offer cash in exchange for firearms in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Gun owners in New South Wales (NSW) will be offered up to AUS$1,000 (£523) to hand over eligible handguns, shotguns and rifles from 2 November.
Australian authorities had pledged sweeping firearm law reforms after 15 people were shot dead at a Jewish festival on Sydney's Bondi Beach, which is located in NSW, last December.
The state's premier Chris Minns said on Saturday: "We want those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed."
He said the move could see hundreds of thousands of guns surrendered.
Gun ownership reforms already introduced by the state mean individuals can only own four firearms - although some people, such as farmers and sports shooters, can own a maximum of 10.
The scheme will be offered to those who have more weapons than permitted by the new rules, or who are no longer covered by a licence - with terms having been reduced from five years to two.
The scheme will be implemented in two phases. The first - from the start of November - covers types of handguns, shotguns and rifles.
Those handing over a revolver, for example, will be paid AUS$1,000, while an air rifle will fetch AUS$450.