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WA Premier Hesitant on Gun Buyback Funding

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. /wa-premier-hesitant-on-gun-buyback-funding.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, January 19th 2026 at 3:54 GMT by The West Australian
      Locale: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Perth, Western Australia - January 19th, 2026 - Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has stopped short of guaranteeing that the state's taxpayers will contribute to a proposed national gun buyback scheme spearheaded by the federal government, sparking debate and raising questions about the financial implications for WA residents. The move follows similar caution from other state leaders and has drawn criticism from the state opposition.

The proposed scheme, unveiled in response to a deeply concerning increase in mass shooting incidents across Australia, aims to drastically reduce the number of firearms currently in circulation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has framed the buyback as a critical step towards improving community safety, referencing the recent tragedy in Tasmania as a catalyst for the government's action. The specific details of the plan, including the scope of firearms eligible for surrender and the financial incentives offered to gun owners, are expected to be released in the coming weeks, after further parliamentary debate and consultations with state and territory governments.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has previously estimated the total cost of the buyback to be in the "hundreds of millions" of dollars, although a final figure remains unconfirmed. The core mechanism of the scheme will involve providing financial incentives - essentially, cash payments - to encourage gun owners to voluntarily surrender unwanted or unregistered firearms. The exact amount of these incentives and the criteria for eligibility are still under wraps.

Premier Cook's response, delivered on Sunday, was deliberately vague. When pressed on whether WA would contribute financially, he stated the government would "have a look at the details" before making a decision. He emphasized the principle of collaborative support between the Commonwealth and states, but stressed the need to thoroughly examine the specifics of the proposal first. This stance mirrors that of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who has also avoided committing her state to financial participation.

The ambiguity surrounding WA's potential contribution has drawn sharp criticism from the state's opposition leader, Libby Mettam. She has accused the government of operating "incredibly secretly" and has demanded a clear and transparent answer regarding the potential use of Western Australian taxpayers' money. Mettam argued that residents deserve clarity on how their financial resources will be allocated.

The debate highlights a tension between the Federal Government's initiative to address gun violence and the potential financial burden on individual states. While the need for stricter gun control measures has gained widespread support following the tragedies, the question of who bears the financial responsibility remains a significant point of contention. This is particularly acute in states like Western Australia, which may feel less directly impacted by the issues prompting the national scheme but are nonetheless expected to potentially contribute financially.

Experts are divided on the likely effectiveness of a gun buyback scheme. While some argue it is a crucial step to reducing gun violence, others question its long-term impact, citing the possibility of firearms simply being diverted to the black market. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of such a large-scale program is frequently debated.

The coming weeks are crucial as the Federal Government prepares to release the detailed plan and engage in further negotiations with the states. Premier Cook's cautious stance suggests that WA will likely scrutinize the scheme's design, potential benefits, and overall cost before committing to any financial support. The scrutiny from the opposition, and the broader public, will undoubtedly intensify as more details emerge, shaping the debate and potentially influencing the ultimate outcome of the proposed gun buyback scheme.