Two NSW government agencies say they hold no information about the Premier’s claimed firearm price research.
As the state’s buyback begins, questions remain about the evidence behind the compensation figures — and what licensed shooters need to know before surrendering their firearms.
NSW Premier Chris Minns told a parliamentary committee on 20 August 2026 that he had undertaken his own research into firearm prices.
But when Gun News Australia sought records relating to that research, two government agencies advised that they held no information about how the buyback prices were arrived at.
The Premier’s Department issued its decision on 25 September. The Cabinet Office followed on 26 October.
Neither decision establishes that the Premier failed to conduct research, or that records were destroyed. They do, however, leave an important question unanswered: what information did the Premier examine, and where is the documentary evidence supporting his account?
What records should exist?
The issue goes beyond the Premier’s recollection of searching for firearm prices.
NSW government agencies operate under recordkeeping requirements intended to ensure that official activities and decisions are appropriately documented.
Where research contributes to government business or policy decisions, questions arise about what records should be created and retained.
If internet searches informed the government’s understanding of firearm prices, were the websites, notes, calculations or advice recorded? If artificial intelligence was involved, were relevant prompts or outputs retained?
This does not mean every internet search conducted by a politician must be preserved. Recordkeeping obligations depend on the nature and purpose of the activity.
But where research is relevant to decisions affecting licensed shooters and their property, the public is entitled to ask what evidence supports those decisions.
Gun News Australia has also sought information directly from the Premier’s Office. At the time the episode was prepared, a substantive response remained outstanding.
What is the NSW Government offering?
The published NSW Police fixed-payment schedule includes:
| Firearm category | Fixed payment |
|---|---|
| Double-barrel shotgun | $850 |
| Rimfire rifle | $600 |
| Centrefire rifle | $1,000 |
| Revolver | $1,000 |
| Semiautomatic handgun | $850 |
These are payments under the scheme for eligible firearms, rather than individual valuations reflecting every firearm’s model, condition, accessories or market value.
That distinction makes the evidence behind the payment schedule particularly important.
How were the figures determined? Were different models and price ranges considered? What advice informed the compensation categories?
The government has presented the buyback as part of its public-safety response. That objective does not remove the need for transparency about the financial consequences for affected owners.
The buyback opening is not a universal surrender deadline
The NSW buyback is scheduled to begin accepting surrender appointments on Monday 2 November 2026, initially at six police stations: Dubbo, Grafton, Griffith, Narellan, Penrith and Sutherland.
NSW Police has indicated that the scheme is scheduled to operate for 12 months, with participating locations opening progressively.
But the opening of the buyback is not, by itself, a deadline requiring every affected licensed shooter to surrender a firearm immediately.
The commencement of a buyback scheme and the commencement of particular firearm restrictions are separate legal questions.
Owners need to establish which rules apply to their firearms and licences, and when any relevant changes take legal effect. The scheme’s announced duration should not be treated as automatic permission to retain a firearm after a restriction commences.
Higher-value firearms and alternative options
NSW Police has also announced an independent valuation pathway, expected to become available in early 2027, for eligible firearms with a market value of at least $3,000.
Under the announced arrangements, compensation through that pathway would be capped at $10,000 per firearm, and a valuation fee would apply.
Importantly, NSW Police advises owners intending to seek an independent valuation not to surrender their firearm through the standard fixed-payment process.
Depending on the firearm and the owner’s circumstances, other lawful options may also be available, including sale through a licensed dealer or transfer to another appropriately licensed person.
These arrangements are subject to applicable law and eligibility requirements.
Licensed shooters should check the latest official information before making an irreversible decision. NSW Police also instructs owners not to bring firearms or ammunition to a police station without a confirmed appointment.
Official information: NSW Police — National Gun Buyback Scheme
The unanswered question
The NSW election is scheduled for March 2027, during the announced buyback period. Political positions may change, but an election does not automatically change existing law.
For now, two questions remain central.
What evidence supports the compensation figures being offered to licensed shooters? And what records exist of the firearm price research the Premier told Parliament he conducted?
Gun News Australia will continue pursuing the relevant information and reporting the responses received.
Government has the authority to make policy decisions. It also has a responsibility to explain the evidence behind decisions affecting people’s property and finances.
Watch Gun News Australia Episode 158: NSW Buyback: Where Did Minns Get His Gun Prices?
Gun News Australia is produced by the Australian Shooters Council. Subscribe to our updates at shooterscouncil.org.au to follow our reporting on firearms policy and government accountability.
This article provides general information, not individual legal advice. Check current NSW Police guidance and applicable legislation before acting.
