16 September 2026
Farmers across NSW will be left feeling frustrated and disappointed after a move to disallow regulations underpinning the NSW firearms buyback failed to gain sufficient support in NSW Parliament's lower house.
That's the view of NSW Farmers President, Rebecca Reardon, who was at NSW Parliament House today with Vice President, Justin Everitt.
Ms Reardon said the outcome was yet another blow for farmers who had repeatedly raised serious concerns about the practical and financial impacts of the state's firearms reforms.
"These reforms fail to recognise and acknowledge that firearms are legitimate and necessary tools of trade for farmers. It's as simple as that," Ms Reardon said.
"The farming community understands the importance of strong firearms laws and keeping our communities safe but will be left feeling incredibly frustrated and disappointed as we continue to move towards a buyback that still leaves significant questions about the fair treatment of farmers."
The NSW Government has announced the first phase of the buyback will commence on 2 November, with a fixed price schedule applying to eligible firearms affected by the new ownership limits and classification changes.
As Ms Reardon explains, since the reforms were first announced, NSW Farmers has consistently highlighted the unintended consequences of these reforms on law abiding farm businesses.
"Farmers have invested significant amounts of money in firearms for legitimate purposes such as pest and feral animal control, and they should not be left financially worse off as a result of changes they had no meaningful role in shaping," Ms Reardon said.
"If government policy requires a farmer to surrender a legally owned firearm, then that farmer deserves fair and reasonable compensation.
"The opportunity presented by this buyback regulation disallowance may have not been successful today, but our advocacy efforts will continue because farmers deserve to be heard.
"NSW Farmers will continue pushing for practical changes and a fair buyback process that recognises the legitimate needs of primary producers and ensures farmers are not left carrying the cost of these reforms."
