Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the legislation as it stands before the parliament. I do think it's important to say what it is but also what it isn't. This legislation is not about targeting farmers. It's not about competitive shooters. It's not about those who are law-abiding firearm owners. This federal bill will establish a national gun buyback scheme to purchase surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms. The gun buyback scheme is based upon the same scheme that was introduced under John Howard, Tim Fischer and Kim Beazley—three leaders who all stood up at an important moment for Australia and who have made a difference. It is important to comprehend that state governments control the issue of licences, state governments control categories, and state governments control gun limits. This legislation does not interfere with those arrangements. What the federal government controls is the importation of weapons. This is sensible reform, which includes stopping noncitizens from importing weapons. This is important legislation, following on from the legislation that was carried a long time ago—

See this speech in context