Hunter MP Dan Repacholi, one of the few Labor MPs with a background in blue-collar industries and sports shooting, has acknowledged that the implementation of strict firearm ownership limits in New South Wales will create political challenges for his state colleagues. Repacholi, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist in sports shooting and former coalminer, supports the federal government’s national gun buyback scheme but has called on public frustration to be directed at state governments responsible for introducing tight gun caps.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns recently unveiled legislation capping the number of firearms an individual can own to four, a move he promised would establish the nation’s strongest gun laws following the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach earlier this year. Repacholi, now serving his second term as the member for Hunter, expressed concern over the severity of these restrictions. While he backs efforts to buy back surplus firearms, he has described the decision to impose such limits as the state government’s prerogative.
“I don’t think caps fix things,” Repacholi said. “That was the Minns government’s choice and we can’t change it. Personally, I think NSW went too far – but that was NSW’s choice.” He noted the importance of federal support in funding the buyback, including compensation that reflects fair market values, and stressed the need to incorporate ammunition and loading equipment within the scheme.
The buyback was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shortly after the Bondi massacre as part of a broader commitment to firearm reform. While the federal government pushed for national coordination, it emphasized that firearm caps fall under state jurisdiction. However, resistance from other states has complicated implementation, with Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk’s government last month opting not to adopt gun caps or participate in the buyback, undermining the national strategy. Victoria has also withdrawn from the buyback program.
Within New South Wales, concerns persist over the political repercussions of the gun laws, particularly ahead of the state election scheduled for March 2025. Seats such as Camden and Cessnock—lying within or adjacent to Repacholi’s Hunter electorate—are viewed as vulnerable to gains by the resurgent One Nation party. One Nation garnered over 20 percent of first-preference votes in Hunter during the 2019 federal election and continues to poll strongly.
Repacholi acknowledged the threat, stating that he has been warned about losing to One Nation in recent election cycles but affirmed his commitment to engaging with constituents. “I’ll continue to do my job, which is to talk to people and make sure the Hunter isn’t left behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, other federal Labor representatives from regional New South Wales—including Meryl Swanson, Fiona Phillips, Kristy McBain, and Justine Elliott—declined to comment on the electoral impact of the gun reforms. The Shooters Union, representing firearm owners and shooters, is expected to intensify its political activism, with plans to meet soon in Penrith, a highly marginal Labor seat. The union’s president, Graham Park, stated the group will campaign against any politicians who supported the new firearm laws and endorse candidates willing to repeal them, signaling potential organized opposition ahead of the state election.