Crisafulli Rejects National Gun Buyback, Says Focus Must Be on Extremism

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has reaffirmed his government's decision not to join a proposed national gun buyback scheme, arguing it would fail to address the underlying drivers of antisemitism, extremism and violent crime.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Mr Crisafulli said a buyback alone would not prevent firearms from falling into the hands of terrorists or organised criminals. He insisted Queensland's response would instead target what he described as the "root causes" of hatred and violence.

The comments followed criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said Queensland's refusal to participate was not in the best interests of either the state or the nation. Mr Albanese was responding to questions after the federal government passed new laws targeting hate groups during a late-night parliamentary sitting in Canberra.

The hate group legislation has been separated from proposed changes to firearm laws, which include tighter controls and the framework for a national buyback scheme. The Prime Minister announced his intention to strengthen gun laws in the aftermath of the December 14 Bondi attack, which claimed 15 lives during Hanukkah celebrations.

Mr Crisafulli said Queensland would introduce its own legislation when state parliament resumes in February, describing it as a more focused and measured approach. He confirmed he had tasked Attorney-General Deb Frecklington and Police Minister Dan Purdie with developing the reforms.

"I want Queenslanders to know this is being handled in a calm and considered way," the premier said, adding that the state's laws would directly address criminal access to weapons and the spread of extremist ideology.

Queensland currently has the second-highest rate of firearm ownership in Australia, a factor that has intensified scrutiny of the state's position. Asked how a national scheme could operate effectively without Queensland's participation, Mr Albanese said the matter rested with the state government.

"I respectfully disagree with his position," the Prime Minister said. "National consistency matters when it comes to gun laws."

Mr Albanese confirmed he had met with Mr Crisafulli last week, describing the discussion as constructive, but said funding arrangements for administering a buyback would ultimately be a matter for Queensland.

For his part, Mr Crisafulli said Queenslanders would notice a clear difference between his government's approach and what they had seen unfold in federal parliament, reiterating that his focus remained on long-term solutions rather than symbolic measures.