National Gun Buyback Standoff: Attorney-General Michelle Rowland Vows to Press On Despite State Holdouts

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland reaffirms Labor's commitment to a national gun buyback scheme despite funding disputes and opposition from several Australian states.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 9:20 AM EDT

Source: news.com.au

A National Policy at a Crossroads

The proposed national gun buyback was drafted as a high-priority response to the Bondi terror attack (April 2024). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had set an ambitious deadline of March 31, 2026, for state and territory leaders to finalize a plan, aiming for a July launch. However, as of April 8, 2026, the policy remains stalled in several jurisdictions.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland told ABC News Breakfast on Tuesday that the government will "continue to prosecute our case," insisting that the reform is only effective if it maintains a "national context." She challenged opposing leaders to explain to their constituents why they are opting out of reforms that the federal government claims are "overwhelmingly supported" by the public.

The Funding Friction: 50:50 vs. Commonwealth-Funded

The primary obstacle for several states is the proposed funding model. The Albanese government has suggested a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement.

States and territories have responded with varying levels of resistance: