- 83,764 firearms surrendered in most successful buyback in WA history
- Buyback schemes allowed responsible Western Australian gunowners and dealers to receive financial support for their surrendered firearms
- Gun ownership in Western Australia reduced by 24 per cent in two years
- Western Australia keen to participate in national firearms buyback
- WA has the toughest firearm laws in the nation and is part of the State's commitment to keep the community safe
Western Australia's firearms buyback program has delivered incredible results with 83,764 firearms surrendered by dealers and owners as part of the State's new gun laws.
The sixth voluntary buyback scheme ended 14 January 2026 after the first buyback started in February 2024, reinforcing Western Australia's nation leading firearm reforms to keep the community safe.
As part of the buyback scheme - 57,053 rifles were handed in plus 19,166 shotguns and 7,545 handguns.
Voluntary Buyback Scheme 2.0 recorded 38,311 firearms and Voluntary Buyback Scheme 5.0 resulted in 30,540 firearms.
There are currently around 272,275 licensed firearms in Western Australia, and 70,059 individuals who hold a firearms licence - representing a 24 per cent decrease in total firearm ownership in two years across the State.
These figures are expected to fluctuate as the State transitions firearms licence holders to new licence categories and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Western Australia's experience in firearm reforms and working with responsible firearm owners has positioned the State as a leader in national reforms, providing advice and expertise to the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions as they consider legislative changes and the proposed national gun buyback program.
The State is willing to be a part of the National Buyback, which would offer a continuation of our successful State program and further opportunities for firearm dealers and holders to return their firearm.
The Cook Government's nation leading firearm laws is an example of keeping the community safe and ensuring all Western Australians feel safe at home, at work and in public spaces.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government is committed to building safe communities so all Western Australians feel secure at home, at work and where they live, and we've done that through sensible, effective law reform.
"Our nation-leading firearm reforms, which implemented limits on firearm ownership, were coupled with a hugely successful two-year long buyback, giving owners a fair process to hand in their guns.
"Western Australians rightly expect anyone who is not a fit and proper person in the eyes of the law should not have access to a firearm.
"WA's laws deliver on these expectations, and the clear belief of responsiblefirearmsowners that licences are limited to only those who truly need one.
"We are willing to be a part of the National Buyback and will work closely with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to finalise the process."
Comments attributed to Police Minister Reece Whitby:
"Western Australia's strong buyback results show our firearm reforms are working and we thank the responsible firearm owners for their co-operation during a significant change to the Act.
"Reducing the number of firearms in our community by almost 90,000 is an incredible result, and as part of our nation leading firearms reforms, it is making our community safe.
"We will work on how and when it is best to launch the National Buyback in Western Australia, once the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions agree to the final terms."
As stated by Police Commissioner Col Blanch:
"Western Australia remains one of the safest places to live, work and enjoy, and we are committed to keeping it that way.
"WA Police will continue to do everything possible to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Our nation has seen the devastating consequences when they do.
"I want to thank all responsible firearm licence holders for working with us to make Western Australia even safer for everyone."
