Rowland: states must explain why they won't join national gun buyback scheme

Federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland discusses the federal government's national gun buyback scheme, launched in response to the Bondi terror attack, which has seen only three states and the ACT sign on despite an April 1 deadline. Rowland emphasizes that the scheme is a national initiative requiring universal participation and calls on the holdout states to explain their position, noting that there are now more guns in Australia than after the Port Arthur massacre. She defends the government's actions, citing the need for urgent reform, while acknowledging delays in the Royal Commission into the Bondi attacks, which absorbed the earlier Richardson review. Rowland stresses the independence of the Royal Commission and the importance of allowing it to proceed without interference. She also highlights the historic appointment of Dr. Ruth Higgins as Australia's first female Federal Solicitor General, marking the first time both top legal roles in the country are held by women. The episode concludes with Rowland reaffirming Australia's commitment to de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, particularly in response to Donald Trump's recent threats against Iran.