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Which specific types of firearms
are banned?
Apart from exemptions for military, police and occupational
categories of shooters who have been licensed for a specified purpose (eg the
extermination of feral animals), the following firearms are banned:
- self loading centre fire rifles;
- self loading and pump action shotguns; and
- self loading rim fire rifles.
If you are a primary producer you may be permitted access to
self loading rim fire rifles and self-loading and pump-action shotguns, each with
limited capacities, under the occupational category. This is only if you can
satisfy licensing authorities that a genuine need for such a firearm exists
which cannot be met with non-prohibited firearms or by any other
means.
What happens about the registration
of my firearm?
Each state and territory jurisdiction will be responsible
for maintaining a firearms registration system which will be linked across
Australia. The system will incorporate details of the firearm and the licence
holder.
What is a genuine reason for
owning, possessing or using a firearm?
All governments agreed that the possession of firearms is
not a right but a conditional privilege. You cannot use personal protection as a
genuine reason for owning, possessing or using a firearm. Classifications which
will be used to determine genuine reason include:
- sporting shooters using lawful firearms with valid
membership of an approved club;
- recreational shooters/hunters who produce proof of
permission from a public or private landowner;
- people with an occupational requirement (eg primary
producers);
- security employees and professional shooters for
nominated purposes;
- bona fide collectors of firearms; and
- people having other limited purposes authorised by
legislation or Ministerial approval in writing (eg firearms used in film
production).
In addition to the "genuine reason" test for the owner, some
categories of firearms may be subjected to a "genuine need" test of their
own.
What are the minimum licensing
requirements?
As well as meeting the "genuine reason" test, if you are
applying for a licence you must be aged 18 years or over, be a fit and proper
person and be able to prove identity through a system similar to opening a bank
account. Junior shooters will be allowed to use firearms under supervision.
Licences will include a photograph of the licensee, the
licence category of the firearm, the holder's address and a reminder of safe
storage responsibilities. Licences will be issued not less than 28 days after
applying and will be issued for a period of no more than 5 years. Licence
categories are graded as follows:
Category A: air rifles, rim fire rifles
(excluding self-loading), single and double barrel shotguns.
Category B: muzzle-loading firearms, single
shot, double barrel and repeating action centre fire rifles, break action
shotguns/rifle combinations.
Category C: (prohibited except for
occupational purposes): self-loading rim fire rifles with a magazine capacity no
greater than 10 rounds, self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity no
greater than 5 rounds, pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity no greater
than 5 rounds.
Category D: (prohibited except for official
purposes): self-loading centre fire rifles, self-loading shotguns and pump
action shotguns with a capacity of more than 5 rounds, self- loading rim-fire
rifles with a magazine capacity greater than 10 rounds.
Category H: (restricted): all handguns,
including air pistols
Will I have to be
trained?
All shooters must receive the highest level of safety
training regardless of the type of firearm used. First time licence applicants
will be required to complete an accredited course in safety training.
On what grounds can my licence be
refused or cancelled and my firearm seized?
Legislation will set out circumstances in which licence
applications are to be refused or licences are to be cancelled. These reasons
can be if the applicant or licence holder:
- is not of good character;
- contravenes the firearm law;
- has unsafe storage;
- no longer has a genuine reason;
- obtained the licence by deception;
- has been the subject of an Apprehended Violence Order,
Domestic Violence Order, restraining order or conviction for assault with a
weapon/aggravated assault within the past five years; or
- has a mental or physical condition which would render the
applicant unsuitable for owning, possessing or using a firearm.
States and Territories will consider the establishment of
appeal mechanisms to consider cases of refused or cancelled licences.
Do I need a permit to acquire a
weapon as well?
If you want to acquire a firearm you will have to obtain
from licensing authorities a separate permit for every firearm acquired. A
waiting period of at least 28 days will apply before a permit can be
issued.
What are the minimum standards for
the security and storage of firearms and ammunition?
As a precondition to the issue of new licences and the
renewal of existing licences, you will need to satisfy licensing authorities of
your storage and security arrangements. Legislation in each jurisdiction will
provide for the cancellation of licences and confiscation of all firearms if you
fail to store firearms adequately. New licence applicants will receive a
firearms safety booklet featuring clear and precise information on the owner's
obligations in relation to storing firearms and ammunition. Firearms dealers
will be required to meet additional requirements. Inspections by licensing
authorities will be at times convenient to both parties.
Who can advertise and sell
firearms?
Sales, including mail order sales of firearms, may only be
conducted by or through licensed firearms dealers. Advertisement of firearms for
sale will be prohibited unless the sale is to be conducted by or through a
licensed gun dealer. Dealers will be required to ensure that purchasers are
appropriately licensed, and record and maintain details (type, make, calibre,
serial number) of each firearm purchased or sold against the identity (name,
address, licence number) of the seller or the purchaser. Dealers will be
required to provide records to licensing authorities. Commercial transport of
ammunition in the same consignment with firearms will be prohibited. In remote
areas where licensed gun dealers may not be readily available, special
arrangements will be made to facilitate sales and purchases of firearms and
ammunition.
What about purchasing
ammunition?
You will be restricted to purchasing ammunition for firearms
for which you hold a valid licence, and limits may be placed on the quantity of
ammunition to be purchased in a given period.
Where do I go for more
information?
Your local firearm registry or police station can give you
more advice or approach the office of your Federal Member or Senator.
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