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The Nationals are seeking to repeal recently introduced federal firearms laws and the proposed National Gun Buyback Scheme, with Dawson MP Andrew Willcox supporting the Bill in Parliament. Photo supplied
The Nationals are seeking changes to recently introduced federal firearms legislation, with a Bill to repeal the laws and abolish the Federal Government’s proposed National Gun Buyback Scheme being introduced in Parliament this week.
Nationals MP and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud is introducing the Firearms Legislation Amendment (Repealing Unfair Gun Laws) Bill 2026, which is being seconded by Federal Member for Dawson MP Andrew Willcox.
The proposed legislation would seek to reverse federal firearms and importation laws passed by Parliament earlier this year and end the proposed buyback scheme.
Mr Willcox said the legislation unfairly affected licensed firearms owners and questioned whether the proposed buyback would address illegal firearms.
“The people who will comply with this buyback are the same people who already follow the law, licensed firearm owners with registered firearms.”
“Does the Prime Minister seriously believe criminals are going to line up and hand their weapons in?”
Mr Willcox also raised concerns about the potential cost to taxpayers and the impact on regional communities, particularly farmers who use firearms for property management and feral pest control.
“This isn't just an issue for firearm owners. Every Australian taxpayer is being asked to foot the bill for a scheme that is unlikely to get illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals.”
He said the Nationals would continue to advocate for responsible, law-abiding firearms owners and welcomed Queensland’s decision not to participate in the proposed Federal scheme.
“It is great to see the Queensland Government standing strong and refusing to join Labor’s scheme.”
The Nationals’ Bill is backed by a petition with more than 71,000 signatures calling for the firearms laws to be repealed.
The proposed national buyback has not been adopted by all states and territories. Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory have not signed on to the national scheme, while New South Wales and the ACT have committed to it. Tasmania and Western Australia have pursued separate state-based arrangements.
The Bill is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives this week.
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