Firearms Act 1996 (Vic)
Version No. 102
Firearms Act 1996
No. 66 of 1996
Version incorporating amendments as at
25 August 2025
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Section Page
Part 1—Preliminary
1Purpose
2Commencement
3Definitions
3ATemporary declarations by the Chief Commissioner for the purposes of certain definitions
3BPermanent declarations by the Chief Commissioner for the purposes of certain definitions
3CChief Commissioner may allow a person to continue to be licensed or renew firearms licence following temporary or permanent declaration
4Act binds the Crown
4AARepeal of provisions regarding firearm prohibition orders
Part 2—Possession, carriage or use of firearms and related items
Division 1—Offences
5Offence for prohibited person to possess, carry or use a firearm
6Offence for non-prohibited person to possess, carry or use a longarm without a licence
6AOffence to possess, carry or use an unregistered longarm
7Offence for non-prohibited person to possess, carry or use a handgun without a licence
7AOffences for certain types of handguns
7BOffence to possess, carry or use an unregistered handgun
7CPossession of a traffickable quantity of firearms
8Offence to acquire, dispose of possess or carry cartridge ammunition for collections
8AProof of registration of firearm
Division 2—Longarm licences
9Issue of longarm licences
10Reasons for applying for longarm licence, category A or B
11Reasons for applying for a longarm licence, category C
12Reasons for applying for a longarm licence, category D
13Reasons for applying for a longarm licence, category E
13AReasons for applying for paintball marker licence
14Conditions applying to longarm licences
Division 3—Handgun licences
15Issue of handgun licences for general category handguns
16Conditions applying to handgun licences
16AIssue of handgun licences for category E handguns
16AAPower of Chief Commissioner to modify participation condition
16BConditions applying to handgun licences for category E handguns
Division 4—General provisions applying to longarm and handgun licences
17General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse a longarm or handgun licence
Division 5—Junior licences
18Issue of junior licences
19Conditions applying to junior licences
20General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse a junior licence
Division 6—Firearms collectors and heirlooms licences
21Issue of category 1 firearms collectors licences
21AIssue of category 2 firearms collectors licences
21BIssue of antique handgun collectors licences
22Conditions applying to firearms collectors licences
23General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse a firearms collectors licence
24Firearms collectors register
25Issue of firearms heirlooms licences
26Conditions applying to firearms heirlooms licences
27General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse a firearms heirlooms licence
Division 7—Firearms ammunition collectors licences
28Issue of firearms ammunition collectors licences
29General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse a firearms ammunition collectors licence
30Conditions applying to firearms ammunition collectors licences
Division 8—General provisions applying to licences under this Part
31Application for a licence
32Information which is required for an application for a licence
32AChief Commissioner may refuse to make a decision on an application for a licence
3328 day waiting period
33ANotice that licence may be refused
33BFurther consideration of application and convening of hearing
33CRefusal of licence
34Review of decision not to issue a licence
35Particulars of licences
36Offence not to comply with licence conditions
37Variation of licence conditions
38Review of a decision to vary licence conditions
39Duration of licences
39AExtension of junior licence after 18 years
40Requirement to notify Chief Commissioner of change of nominated person
41Renewal of licences
41AContinuation of licence during consideration of application for renewal
42General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse to renew a licence or to alter or vary the conditions of a licence
43Circumstances in which the Chief Commissioner may alter or vary conditions on a licence
43AVariation of licence for failure to comply with participation condition
43BReview of decision as to period of variation
44Review of a decision not to renew a licence
45Disposal of firearms where licence not renewed
Division 9—Suspension and cancellation of licences under this Part
46Immediate cancellation of a licence
46ACancellation of licence held by non‑resident
46BImmediate cancellation under National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016
47Suspension of a licence and notice of proposal to cancel
47ASuspension of licence—certain prohibited persons
48Making of submissions
49Power of Chief Commissioner to cancel licence under this Part
49ARestrictions on application for licence following cancellation
49BReview of decision as to period of disqualification
50Review of decision to cancel a licence
51Notice of Chief Commissioner's decision
52Coming into effect of cancellation
52AAChief Commissioner to notify approved handgun target shooting club or employer of certain events
Division 9A—Surrender and seizure of firearms etc.
52APower of Chief Commissioner to require the holder of a general category handgun licence to surrender certain handguns for failure to comply with participation condition
52BPower of Chief Commissioner to require the holder of a category 1 or category 2 firearms collectors licence to surrender certain handguns for failure to comply with certain conditions
53Surrender of firearms and licence document
53ASurrender of handguns for failure to comply with participation condition
53BSurrender of handguns where certain conditions of category 1 or category 2 firearms collectors licence not complied with
Division 10—Exemptions, permits and provisional licences
54Persons who are exempt from the Part
54AAHealth service workers who are exempt from this Part
54ABExemption of person exercising power under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006
54AExemptions from certain licence conditions
55Employees of licensed firearms dealers
56Permits to display firearms or ammunition collections
56APermits to display firearms or ammunition collections—Approved firearms collectors clubs
57Permits to possess, carry or use silencers or prescribed items
57APermit for holder of handgun security guard licence to possess, carry or use restricted ammunition
57BPermits to assist in emergency or natural disaster
58Permits to carry or use firearms held under a collectors licence
58AAAPermits to carry or use firearms held under a collectors licence—approved firearms collectors clubs
58AProvisional general category handgun licences
Part 3—Carrying on the business of dealing in firearms and related items
Division 1AA—Definition
59AADefinition
Division 1—Licensing of firearms dealers
59Offence to carry on business of dealing in firearms
59AOffence to manufacture firearms or to possess parts etc. for the purpose of manufacturing firearms
60Issue of dealers licences
61General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse a dealers licence
62Review of decision not to issue licence
Division 2—General provisions applying to dealers licences
63Application for a dealers licence
64Information required for an application by a natural person for a dealers licence
65Information required for an application by a body corporate for a dealers licence
6628 day waiting period
67Particulars of dealers licences
68Licence conditions for dealers licences
69Variation of dealers licence conditions
70Review of a decision to vary licence conditions
71Duration of licences
72Renewal of dealers licences
73General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse to renew a dealers licence
74Review of decision not to renew licence
75Requirement to notify Chief Commissioner of persons employed in business or change of nominated person
75ARequirement to notify Chief Commissioner of close associates
75BOffence to employ prohibited persons in management of business
Division 3—Suspension, cancellation and transfer of dealers licences
76Immediate cancellation of a dealers licence
76AImmediate cancellation of a dealers licence under National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016
77Suspension of a dealers licence and notice of proposal to cancel
78Making of submissions
79Power of Chief Commissioner to cancel a dealers licence
80Notice of Chief Commissioner's decision
81Coming into effect of cancellation
82Right of appeal against cancellation of licence
83Surrender of firearms and licence document
84Application to carry on business
85Chief Commissioner may transfer authority to conduct business
86Prohibition on any other transfer of licence
Division 4—Records to be kept by licensed firearms dealers
87Requirement to keep register of transactions
88Firearms to be labelled with transaction details
89Power to inspect register and stock
90Power to require production of licence
Division 5—Display by dealers
91Display of firearms by dealers
92Display Offences
Division 6—Permits
92APermits for theatrical armourers
Part 4—Acquisition and disposal of firearms and related items
Division 1—Offences relating to the acquisition and disposal of firearms
93Persons from whom a dealer can acquire firearms
94Persons to whom a dealer can dispose of firearms
95Prohibition on acquisition of firearm except from licensed firearms dealer
96Prohibition on disposal of firearm except to licensed firearms dealer
97Fees to be charged by dealers
98Requirement for taking or giving of possession of firearm to be in person
99Control of acquisition from a place outside the State
100Control of disposal to place outside the State
100AHiring and loaning of firearms by licensed firearms dealers
100BExtension of hire or loan of firearms by licensed firearms dealers
101Prohibitions on advertising
101AProhibition on the acquisition or disposal of traffickable quantities of firearms
101BProhibition on providing financial accommodation for the illegal acquisition or disposal of firearms
101CLicensed firearms dealer sending firearms or firearms parts by post to another licensed firearms dealer
Division 2—Permit to acquire a firearm
102Offence to acquire a firearm without a permit
103Issue of permit to acquire
104General discretion of Chief Commissioner to refuse to issue a permit to acquire
105Review of decision not to issue permit
106Application for a permit to acquire
107Waiting period for issue of permit
108Form of permit
109Conditions applying to a permit
110Duration of permit
111Cancellation of permit
112Surrender of firearms acquired under cancelled permit
Part 4A—Firearm prohibition orders
Division 1—Definitions
112ADefinitions
Division 2—Firearm prohibition order offences
112BOffence to acquire, possess, carry or use a firearm or firearm related item in contravention of a firearm prohibition order
112COffence as to disposal of a firearm etc. to an individual to whom a firearm prohibition order applies
112CAOffence to fail to notify Chief Commissioner of change of address
Division 3—Firearm prohibition orders
112DMaking a firearm prohibition order
112EConsiderations for making a firearm prohibition order
112FDelegation of power to make order
112GForm and content of order
112HCancellation of licences and permits
112IService of order
112IAService on person in detention
112JDuration of order
112KRevocation of order
Division 4—Reviews as to firearm prohibition orders
112LReview of decision to make a firearm prohibition order
112MFurther right to apply for review of decision to make firearm prohibition order
112NProtected information
Division 5—Further offences and enforcement
112OOffence for individual to whom a firearm prohibition order applies to enter or remain on certain premises
112POffence to fail to surrender firearms or firearm related items on service of order
112QSearch of premises, vehicles, vessels or aircraft without warrant or consent
112RSearch of individual to whom firearm prohibition order applies without warrant or consent
112SSearch of an accompanying person without warrant or consent
112TDealing with firearms or firearm related items surrendered or seized under this Part
112UCertain references to prohibited person to include references to an individual to whom a firearm prohibition order applies
Division 6—Service direction determinations for firearm prohibition orders
112VPower of Chief Commissioner to make service direction determination
112WConsiderations for making a service direction determination
112XDelegation of power to make service direction determination
112YExpiry of service direction determination
112ZService direction determination may be made more than once
112ZAPowers as to service of orders under service direction determination
112ZBInformation to be given at the time of stopping person
112ZCPower to direct individual to remain in place or go to police station or other safe place
112ZDPower to detain for refusing or failing to comply with direction
112ZEPowers and duties regarding detained individual
112ZFRequirements regarding children
Division 7—Service search warrants
Subdivision 1—Issue of service search warrants
112ZGMagistrate may issue service search warrant
112ZHConsiderations for issue of service search warrant
112ZIMatters to be stated in service search warrant
112ZJApplication of section 149 and the Magistrates' Court Act 1989
112ZKApplication for issue of service search warrant
112ZLExpiry of service search warrant
112ZMService search warrant may be issued more than once
Subdivision 2—Execution of service search warrants
112ZNConsiderations for execution of service search warrant
112ZOAnnouncement before entry
112ZPCopy of warrant to be given to occupier
112ZQService of service search warrant on individual found on premises
112ZRRequirement to leave premises
Subdivision 3—Detention of individual under service search warrant
112ZSRequirements if individual detained under warrant
112ZTRequirements regarding children
Division 8—General provisions relating to service of firearm prohibition orders
112ZUPeriod and place of holding in custody after detention
112ZVIndividual must not be questioned on other matters
112ZW24 hour limit on re-exercise of powers
112ZXProcess on release of individual
112ZYEffect of detention under Division 6 or 7
112ZZCircumstances in which individual is facing other charges
Division 9—Record keeping
112ZZADuty to make records concerning service direction determinations
112ZZBDuty to make records concerning service search warrants
112ZZCRecords to be given to IBAC
112ZZDCertain persons may request records
Part 5—Registration of firearms
113Keeping of register
114Exemption from Freedom of Information Act
115Notice of bringing into the State
116Notice of removal from the State
117Certificate of registration
118Notice of transactions
119Power of Chief Commissioner to require information
119APower of Chief Commissioner to require firearm to have a serial number
119BApplication to have serial number affixed by a method other than stamping
120Offence not to produce firearm for inspection
Part 6—Storage
121Storage of firearms under longarm and handgun licences
121APermit to store handguns
122Storage of firearms under firearms collectors and firearms heirlooms licences and ammunition under firearms ammunition collectors licence
123Storage of firearms under dealers licences
Part 6A—Approved clubs
Division 1—Approved handgun target shooting clubs
123APower of the Chief Commissioner to approve handgun target shooting clubs
123BApproved handgun target shooting clubs—Record keeping requirements
123CApproved handgun target shooting clubs—reporting requirements
123DApproved handgun target shooting clubs—Requirements as to members
123EApproved handgun target shooting clubs—Reports to the Chief Commissioner as to unfit members
123FApproved handgun target shooting clubs—Power to endorse applications for general category handgun licences
123GApproved handgun target shooting clubs—Power to endorse applications for permits to acquire
Division 2—Approved firearms collectors clubs
123HPower of the Chief Commissioner to approve firearms collectors clubs
123IApproved firearms collectors clubs—Power to endorse applications for firearms collectors licences
123JApproved firearms collectors clubs—Power to endorse applications for permits to acquire
123KApproved firearms collectors clubs—Reports to the Chief Commissioner as to unfit members
123LApproved firearms collectors clubs—Requirements as to members and former members
Division 3—General provisions applying to approvals under this Part
123MApplication for an approval under this Part
123NRequirement to nominate officers
123OReview of decision to refuse an approval under this Part
123PConditions for an approval under this Part
123QReview of decision to vary the conditions of an approval under this Part
123RDuration of an approval under this Part
123SRenewal of an approval under this Part
123TPower of the Chief Commissioner to renew an approval under this Part
123UReview of a decision not to renew an approval under this Part
123VPower of Chief Commissioner to cancel an approval under this Part
123WReview of decision to cancel an approval under this Part
Part 7—Further offences and legal proceedings
124AAConspiring to commit and aiding the commission of an offence outside Victoria
124Possession of cartridge ammunition
125Disposal of cartridge ammunition to unauthorised persons
126Safekeeping of firearms and cartridge ammunition while being carried or used
127Use of firearm by person other than the possessor
127AOffence to use firearms held under a firearms collectors licence
128Offence to damage property with a firearm
129Offence to use a firearm in a dangerous manner
129AOffence for unlicensed person to store in an insecure manner
130Offences as to possession, carriage and use of firearms in certain places
131Offence to possess, carry or use a firearm on private property without consent
131AOffence to discharge firearm at a premises or vehicle
132Offences about the carriage and the use of firearms
133Disposal of a firearm to person who is intoxicated
134Certain offences as to firearms, firearm parts, silencers and prescribed items
134ARequirement to obtain consent of Chief Commissioner to certain alterations of firearms
134ABOffence to possess or carry certain parts without the consent of the Chief Commissioner
134BRequirement to notify Chief Commissioner of certain alterations to firearms
134COffence to possess a firearm with no serial number
135Offence to own a firearm without a licence to possess
136Disposal of firearms to minors
137Alteration of documents
138False entries
139Notification of change of certain details
140Requirement to notify Chief Commissioner of loss etc.
140AMaking false or misleading statements or using false or misleading information
141Statements of the Chief Commissioner as evidence
142Liability of officers of body corporate or nominated persons for offences committed by the body corporate
143How to determine state of mind of a body corporate
144Liability of body corporate or licence holder for acts of directors, employees or agents
145Firearms found on premises or vehicle
Part 8—Further enforcement powers
146Warrants to search premises
147Announcement before entry
148Copy of warrant to be given to occupier or person in charge of vehicle
149Search of persons or vehicles
149ADuty to make records concerning searches
150Power to require production of licence
151Powers of court to order forfeiture of firearms, cartridge ammunition, silencers or prescribed items
152Disposal of forfeited firearms
153Power of court to make an order with respect to the disposal of a firearm, cartridge ammunition, silencer or prescribed item
153APowers that may be exercised by authorised officers appointed under other Acts
153BDuty to make records concerning searches
153CAnnual reports
Part 9—Firearms Appeals Committee
Division 1—Establishment of Committee
154Establishment of Committee
155Membership of the Committee
156Terms of office
157Resignation and removal
158Chairperson
159Acting member
160Payment of members
161Procedure of the Committee
162Effect of vacancy or defect
Division 2—Review of decisions of the Chief Commissioner
163Power of committee to sit in divisions
164Decision of a Division
165Change in composition of a Division
166Procedure of Division
167How to commence a proceeding
Part 10—Infringement notices
168Power to serve a notice
170Penalties to be paid for offences under infringement notices
Part 10A—Firearm prohibition orders, reporting and the IBAC
Division 1—Definitions
171Definitions
Division 2—Annual reporting obligations
172Information to be included in annual reports
Division 3—Monitoring the administration of Part 4A and this Part
173IBAC to monitor exercise of powers etc. under Part 4A and this Part
174Reports to the Minister on monitoring
174ARequest for action after monitoring
Division 4—IBAC Ministerial report
174BIBAC Ministerial report
174CTiming of IBAC Ministerial report
174DTabling IBAC Ministerial reports
Division 5—Reporting on the issue of firearm prohibition orders
174EChief Commissioner report on Part 4A matters
174FThe IBAC review of matters under Part 4A and this Part
174GAThe IBAC powers as to court records
174HConduct of review
174IThe IBAC may request that certain action be taken
Division 6—General
174JNon-production of documents and other things in applicable proceeding, process or action
174KExemption from Freedom of Information Act 1982
174LDisclosure of information by Chief Commissioner under this Part
174MPowers of entry and inspection
174NIBAC to be given reasonable assistance
174OChief Commissioner to keep records
Part 11—General
175Service of notices
176Power of delegation
176AAnnual Report of Chief Commissioner
177Duplicate licences
178Application for duplicate licence
179Power of Chief Commissioner to make approvals
179AApproved handgun target shooting matches
180Deceased estates
181Disclosure of information
181ARequirement for Chief Commissioner to disclose certain information to certain approved clubs
182Appeals from decisions of Committee
182ATime period for making application for review to VCAT
183Immunity from liability
184Exemptions for museums
185Interstate licence holders—temporary visitors
186Temporary visitor permit
186AInterstate temporary visitor permits
187Interstate licence holders—permanent residents
188Power to approve schemes of compensation
189Application to be deemed not to be a prohibited person
189AIndictable offences
190Supreme Court—Limitation of jurisdiction
191Regulations
Part 12—Transitional provisions
192Definitions
193Repeal of Firearms Act 1958
194References
195Licences authorities permits and schemes
196Right to apply to court under section 189 before commencement of part of Act
197Appeals and rights to appeal
198Sunset on licences and permits issued under repealed provisions
199Declarations
200Prison officers
200ATransitional provision—Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Act 2003—dealers licences
200BTransitional provision—Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Act 2003—handgun licences
200CTransitional provision—Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Act 2003—applications for handgun licences
200DTransitional provision—Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Act 2003—firearms collectors licences
209Transitional provisions—Control of Weapons and Firearms Acts (Search Powers) Act 2003
210Transitional provision—handgun security guard licence
211Transitional provisions—Firearms Amendment Act 2007
212Transitional provision—Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2008
213Transitional provisions—Family Violence Protection Act 2008
214Transitional Provisions—Stalking Intervention Orders Act 2008
215Transitional provision—Firearms and Other Acts Amendment Act 2010—interstate licence holders
216Transitional provision—Firearms and Other Acts Amendment Act 2010—imitation firearms
217Transitional provision—Firearms Amendment Act 2018—trafficking
218Transitional provision—Firearms Amendment Act 2018—possession, carriage and use of firearms in certain places
219Transitional provision—Firearms Amendment Act 2018—applications for licences
220Transitional provision—Firearms Amendment Act 2018—suspended licences
221Transitional provision—Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Act 2019—lever action shotguns
222Transitional provision—Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Act 2019—trafficking
Schedules
Schedule 1—General conditions for licences under Part 2
Schedule 2—Special conditions for licences under Part 2
Schedule 3—Non-prohibited persons who are exempt from requirement to hold a licence under Part 2
Schedule 4—Storage requirements
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Endnotes
1 General information
2 Table of Amendments
3 Explanatory details
Version No. 102
Firearms Act 1996
No. 66 of 1996
Version incorporating amendments as at
25 August 2025
The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:
PART 1—PRELIMINARY
1Purpose
The purposes of this Act are—
(a)to give effect to the principle that the possession, carriage, use, acquisition and disposal of firearms are conditional on the need to ensure public safety and peace by—
(i)establishing a system of licensing and regulating the possession, carriage and use of firearms and related items which does not allow for self defence to be used as a reason for obtaining a licence to possess, carry or use a firearm; and
(ii)establishing a system of licensing and regulating the carrying on of the business of dealing in firearms; and
(iii)establishing a system of permitting and regulating the acquisition and disposal of firearms and related items; and
(iv)establishing a system of registering firearms; and
(v)establishing requirements for the secure storage and carriage of firearms; and
(vi)establishing a Firearms Appeals Committee to hear applications for review of decisions of the Chief Commissioner under the Act; and
(vii)making provision for the education of the community in the safe and responsible use of firearms; and
(viia)providing for strict control on the possession, carriage, use, acquisition, disposal and storage of firearms; and
(viii)making other related provisions; and
(b)to repeal the Firearms Act 1958; and
(c)to make various consequential amendments to other Acts.
2Commencement
(1)Section 1 and this section come into operation on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(2)Subject to subsection (3), the remaining provisions of this Act come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.
(3)If a provision referred to in subsection (2) does not come into operation before 31 January 1998, it comes into operation on that day.
3Definitions
(1)In this Act—
acquire, in relation to any thing, includes buying or coming into possession of the thing (whether the thing is in Victoria or elsewhere) but does not include borrowing the thing;
airgun includes air rifle;
antique handgun means a handgun—
(a)that was manufactured before 1 January 1900; and
(b)that uses percussion as a means of ignition; and
(c)that does not take commercially available cartridge ammunition;
antique handgun collectors licence means a licence issued under section 21B;
approved club means a club approved by the Chief Commissioner under section 10(3);
approved firearms collectors club means a person or body approved by the Chief Commissioner under section 123H;
approved handgun target shooting club means a person or body approved by the Chief Commissioner under section 123A;
approved handgun target shooting match means—
(a)a competitive target shooting match approved by the Chief Commissioner that is conducted by an approved handgun target shooting club at an approved shooting range; or
(b)a handgun target shooting match conducted in another State or a Territory or a place outside Australia that is recognised by the Chief Commissioner under section 16(12)(a) to be an approved handgun target shooting match;
approved shooting range means a shooting range approved by the Chief Commissioner under section 179;
armed guard activity means the activity, performed by a person acting as a security guard, of protecting, watching or guarding any property while being in possession of a firearm;
* * * * *
black powder handgun means a handgun that—
(a)uses black powder to propel a projectile; and
(b)is not capable of being loaded with or discharging breech-loaded metallic cartridges;
carry in relation to a firearm, includes the carriage of that firearm either as a whole or in parts and either by one person or more than one person;
cartridge ammunition means ammunition having a bullet or other projectile and a priming device fixed to or enclosed in a cartridge case which is composed wholly or partly of material other than paper;
cash-in-transit activity means the activity, performed by a person acting as a security guard, of collecting, transferring or delivering cash or other valuables;
category 1 firearms collectors licence means a licence issued under section 21;
category 2 firearms collectors licence means a licence issued under section 21A;
category A longarm means any of the following—
(a)an airgun;
(b)a rimfire rifle (other than a semi-automatic rimfire rifle);
(c)a shotgun (other than a lever action, pump action or semi-automatic shotgun);
(d)any combination of a shotgun and rimfire rifle;
category B longarm means any of the following—
(a)a muzzle loading firearm;
(b)a centre fire rifle (other than an automatic or a semi-automatic centre fire rifle);
(c)any combination of a shotgun and centre fire rifle;
(d)a black powder, ball firing cannon;
(e)a lever action shotgun with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds;
category C longarm means any of the following—
(a)a semi-automatic rimfire rifle with a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds;
(b)a semi-automatic shotgun with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds;
(c)a pump action shotgun with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds;
(d)a tranquilliser gun;
category D longarm means any of the following—
(a)a semi-automatic rimfire rifle with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds;
(b)a semi-automatic shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds;
(ba)a lever action shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds;
(c)a pump action shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds;
(d)a semi-automatic centre fire rifle;
(e)any other firearm prescribed for the purposes of this category;
(f)any other firearm that is declared under section 3A(1) to be a category D longarm;
(g)any other firearm that is declared under section 3B(1)(a) to be a category D longarm;
category E handgun means any of the following—
(a)a machine gun that is a handgun;
(b)any handgun prescribed for the purposes of this category;
(c)any other firearm that is declared under section 3A(1) to be a category E handgun;
category E longarm means any of the following—
(a)a machine gun that is a longarm;
(b)a tear gas gun or projector;
(c)a shotgun or rifle with a length of less than 75 centimetres measured parallel to the barrel;
(d)a mortar, bazooka, rocket propelled grenade or similar large calibre military firearm designed to fire an explosive or projectile or any other similar prescribed firearm;
(da)a cannon which is not a black powder ball firing cannon;
(e)any other firearm prescribed for the purposes of this category;
(f)any other firearm that is declared under section 3A(1) to be a category E longarm;
(g)any other firearm that is declared under section 3B(1)(b) to be a category E longarm;
Chief Commissioner means the Chief Commissioner of Police appointed under the Victoria Police Act 2013;
close associate, in relation to the holder of a dealers licence, means a person—
(a)who is able to exercise a significant influence over or with respect to the conduct of the business conducted under the dealers licence because that person—
(i)holds an interest in the capital or assets of that business or is entitled to receive any income derived from that business (whether the entitlement arises at law or in equity or otherwise); or
(ii)holds any power (whether exercisable by voting or otherwise and whether exercisable alone or in association with others) to participate in any managerial or executive decision in that business or to appoint any person to a position of management in that business (whether in the capacity of director, manager or secretary or in any other capacity); or
(b)who participates in the management of the business conducted under the licence (whether in the capacity of director, manager or secretary or in any other capacity)—
and, in relation to an applicant for a dealers licence, means any person who would, if a licence were issued to the applicant, be a person to whom paragraph (a) or (b) would apply;
Committee means the Firearms Appeals Committee established under Part 9;
dealers licence means a firearms dealers licence issued under section 60;
* * * * *
Department has the same meaning as in the Public Administration Act 2004;
Department Head has the same meaning as in the Public Administration Act 2004;
* * * * *
dispose of, in relation to any thing, includes—
(a)selling the thing;
(b)offering to sell the thing;
(c)having the thing in possession for the purposes of sale, barter or exchange—
(whether or not the thing is to remain in Victoria) but does not include lending the thing;
domestic partner of a person means—
(a)a person who is in a registered relationship with the person; or
(b)an adult person to whom the person is not married but with whom the person is in a relationship as a couple where one or each of them provides personal or financial commitment and support of a domestic nature for the material benefit of the other, irrespective of their genders and whether or not they are living under the same roof, but does not include a person who provides domestic support and personal care to the person—
(i)for fee or reward; or
(ii)on behalf of another person or an organisation (including a government or government agency, a body corporate or a charitable or benevolent organisation);
drug has the same meaning as in the Road Safety Act 1986;
final interstate DVO means an interstate DVO that is a final order, within the meaning of the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016;
final recognised DVO means a non-local DVO—
(a)that is a recognised DVO; and
(b)that is a final order, within the meaning of the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016;
firearm means any device, whether or not assembled or in parts—
(a)which is designed or adapted, or is capable of being modified, to discharge shot or a bullet or other missile by the expansion of gases produced in the device by the ignition of strongly combustible materials or by compressed air or other gases, whether stored in the device in pressurised containers or produced in the device by mechanical means; and
(b)whether or not operable or complete or temporarily or permanently inoperable or incomplete—
and which is not—
(c)an industrial tool powered by cartridges containing gunpowder or compressed air or other gases which is designed and intended for use for fixing fasteners or plugs or for similar purposes; or
(d)a captive bolt humane killer; or
(e)a spear gun designed for underwater use; or
(f)a device designed for the discharge of signal flares; or
* * * * *
(h)a device commonly known as a kiln gun or ringblaster, designed specifically for knocking out or down solid material in kilns, furnaces or cement silos; or
(i)a device commonly known as a line thrower designed for establishing lines between structures or natural features and powered by compressed air or other compressed gases and used for rescue purposes, rescue training or rescue demonstration; or
(j)a device of a prescribed class;
firearm prohibition order means an order under section 112D(1);
firearms ammunition collectors licence means a firearms ammunition collectors licence issued under section 28;
firearms collectors licence means a firearms collectors licence issued under section 21, 21A or 21B;
firearms heirlooms licence means a firearms heirlooms licence issued under section 25;
* * * * *
general category handgun means a handgun that is not a category E handgun;
general category handgun licence means a handgun licence issued under section 15;
handgun means a firearm that—
(a)is reasonably capable of being carried or concealed about the person; or
(b)is reasonably capable of being raised and fired by one hand; or
(c)does not exceed 65 centimetres in length measured parallel to the barrel;
handgun licence means a licence issued under section 15 or section 16A;
handgun security guard licence means a handgun licence issued under section 15(1)(a) for the occupation of security guard;
handgun target shoot means a handgun target shoot that complies with section 16(8);
handgun target shooting licence means a handgun licence issued under section 15(1)(b) for target shooting;
IBAC has the same meaning as it has in the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011;
IBAC Officer has the same meaning as in the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011;
in detention means either of the following—
(a)in detention within the meaning of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009;
(b)in immigration detention within the meaning of section 5 of the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth;
* * * * *
inter-State licence means a licence (however described) to possess, carry or use a firearm issued in a prescribed State or a prescribed Territory which corresponds with a licence issued under Part 2;
inter-State permit to acquire means a permit (however described) to acquire a firearm issued in a prescribed State or a prescribed Territory which corresponds with a permit to acquire;
interstate DVO means an interstate DVO within the meaning of the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016;
junior handgun target shooting licence means a junior licence issued for the purposes of receiving instruction in the use of handguns or engaging in sport or target shooting competitions;
junior licence means a licence issued under section 18;
known information in relation to a close associate, means any records about the close associate kept by or on behalf of—
(a)the Chief Commissioner; or
(b)any person holding a position equivalent to that of the Chief Commissioner in the Commonwealth or in any other State or Territory of the Commonwealth or in any other country;
licensed firearms dealer means a person who is the holder of a dealers licence;
licensed premises in relation to dealers licence, means the premises specified in dealers licence;
longarm means any firearm other than a handgun;
longarm licence means a licence issued under section 9;
machine gun means a firearm which can fire more than one projectile with a single pressure of the trigger or other like appliance;
* * * * *
* * * * *
midwife means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law—
(a)to practise in the nursing and midwifery profession as a midwife (other than as a student); and
(b)in the register of midwives kept for that profession;
nominated officer means a person nominated under section 123N;
nominated person means any person nominated in an application for a licence under Part 2 or Part 3 or any person nominated in the place of that person during the course of the licence, notice of whose nomination has been given to the Chief Commissioner;
non-local DVO means a non-local DVO within the meaning of the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016;
non-prohibited person means a person who is not a prohibited person;
nurse means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the nursing and midwifery profession as a nurse (other than as a midwife or as a student);
officer—
(a)in relation to a body corporate which is a corporation within the meaning of the Corporations Act, has the same meaning as in section 9 of that Act; and
(b)in relation to a body corporate which is not a corporation within the meaning of that Act, means any person (by whatever name called) who is concerned in or takes part in the management of the body corporate—
but does not include an employee of the body corporate;
paintball means a projectile that primarily consists of a dye or similar substance designed to mark a person or object;
paintball marker means a firearm that is designed to discharge a paintball;
paintball marker licence means a licence issued under section 9(6);
parental responsibility, in relation to an individual under the age of 18 years, means all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which, by law or custom, parents have in relation to their children;
percussion means a means of ignition in a firearm in which metallic chemical compounds or fulminates are used to ignite the main powder charge;
permit to acquire means a permit issued under section 103;
pest animal has the same meaning as in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994;
* * * * *
police officer has the same meaning as in the Victoria Police Act 2013;
possession in relation to a firearm, includes—
(a)actual physical possession of the firearm; or
(b)custody or control of the firearm; or
(c)having and exercising access to the firearm, either solely or in common with others;
premises means any place, whether built on or not and whether enclosed or not, and includes any building or structure on the place;
prescribed State means a State which has been prescribed for the purposes of the definition of inter-State permit to acquire;
prescribed Territory means a Territory which has been prescribed for the purposes of the definition of inter-State permit to acquire;
private security business means a business that is carried on by the holder of a private security business licence under Part 3 of the Private Security Act 2004;
prohibited person means—
(a)a person who is serving a term of imprisonment for—
(i)an indictable offence; or
(ii)an assault; or
(iii)an offence under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981; or
(iiia)an offence under the Control of Weapons Act 1990—
or, in relation to a person—
(iv)not more than 15 years have expired since the person finished serving a term of imprisonment of 5 years or more for such an offence; or
(v)not more than 5 years have expired since the person finished serving a term of imprisonment of less than 5 years for such an offence; or
(b)a person who is serving a term of imprisonment in another State or a Territory for an offence of a corresponding nature to an offence listed in paragraph (a) or in relation to a person—
(i)not more than 15 years have expired since the person finished serving a term of imprisonment in another State or a Territory of 5 years or more for such an offence; or
(ii)or not more than 5 years have expired since that person finished serving a term of imprisonment in another State or a Territory of less than 5 years for such an offence; or
(ba)a person—
(i)who is serving a term of imprisonment for an offence under section 321 or 321A of the Crimes Act 1958; or
(ii)in relation to whom, not more than 10 years have expired since the person finished serving a term of imprisonment for an offence specified in subparagraph (i); or
(bb)a person—
(i)who is serving a term of imprisonment in another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth for an offence of a corresponding nature to an offence specified in paragraph (ba)(i); or
(ii)in relation to whom, not more than 10 years have expired since the person finished serving a term of imprisonment in another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth for an offence specified in paragraph (ba)(i); or
(c)a person who is subject to—
(i)a final order under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, afinal interstate DVO or a final recognised DVO that does not include conditions cancelling or revoking a licence, permit or authority under this Act or, in the case of a DVO, a corresponding law of the jurisdiction in which the DVO was made; or
(ia)a final order under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, afinal interstate DVO or a final recognised DVO that does include conditions cancelling or revoking a licence, permit or authority under this Act or, in the case of a DVO, a corresponding law of the jurisdiction in which the DVO was made; or
(ib)a final order under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 that does not cancel or suspend a licence, permit or authority under this Act, or an order of a corresponding nature made in another State or a Territory; or
(ic)a final order under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 that does cancel or suspend a licence, permit or authority under this Act, or an order of a corresponding nature made in another State or a Territory; or
(ii)an old community-based order, within the meaning of clause 1 of Schedule 3 to the Sentencing Act 1991; or
(iia)a community correction order, within the meaning of the Sentencing Act 1991, that has a supervision condition attached under section 48E of the Sentencing Act 1991; or
(iii)a supervision order under section 26 or 38ZH of the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997—
or, in relation to a person, not more than 5 years have expired since the person was subject to such an order; or
* * * * *
(cb)a person to whom a serious crime prevention order (within the meaning of the Criminal Organisations Control Act 2012) applies; or
(cc)a person who is subject to a supervision order or an interim supervision order under the Serious Offenders Act 2018 that—
(i)suspends, cancels or revokes a licence, permit or authority under this Act; or
(ii)does not suspend, cancel or revoke a licence, permit or authority under this Act;
(d)a person, in relation to whom, not more than 12 months have expired since that person was found guilty by a court, whether in Victoria or in another State or a Territory, of—
(i)an offence against this Act, in relation to which it was open to the court to impose a term of imprisonment; or
(ii)an offence against any other Act involving the possession or use of firearms and in relation to which it was open to the court to impose a term of imprisonment; or
(iii)an indictable offence—
and who is not, by virtue of the operation of any other paragraph of this definition, a prohibited person; or
(e)any person who is of a prescribed class of persons;
* * * * *
protective services officer has the same meaning as in the Victoria Police Act 2013;
provisional general category handgun licence means a provisional licence issued under section 58A;
public place has the same meaning as it has in section 3 of the Summary Offences Act 1966;
pump action shotgun means a shotgun which is, or has been at any time, constructed with an action which includes a moveable forearm or fore-end which is manually activated by a motion parallel to the barrel by the person using the gun;
recognised DVO means a recognised DVO within the meaning of the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016;
registeredmeans registered under Part 5;
registered medical practitioner means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the medical profession (other than as a student);
* * * * *
registered psychologist means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the psychology profession (other than as a student);
responsible person means—
(a)in the case of a body corporate, any officer of the body corporate or the person nominated in an application for a licence by a body corporate under Part 2 or 3; or
(b)in the case of a Department—
(i)the person authorised by the Department Head to make an application for a licence under Part 2; or
(ii)the person nominated in an application for a licence on behalf of a Department under Part 2;
restricted ammunition, in relation to a handgun, means any ammunition for use in the handgun that—
(a)is not factory manufactured; or
(b)is not recommended by the manufacturer of the handgun as being appropriate for that handgun; or
(c)is a magnum load or a full metal case projectile;
semi-automatic when used to describe a rifle or shotgun, means a rifle or shotgun which is constructed or has been, at any time, constructed so that—
(a)each bullet or missile is discharged by a separate application of pressure to the trigger; and
(b)the energy of the discharge is used as part of the reloading cycle of the rifle or shotgun (as the case may be);
senior IBAC Officer has the same meaning as it has in the Independent Broad-based Anti‑corruption Commission Act 2011;
serial number, of a firearm, means a number that enables the firearm to be individually identified that has been—
(a)assigned to the firearm by its manufacturer; or
(b)stamped or otherwise affixed to the firearm in accordance with section 119A or 119B;
service direction determination means a determination made under section 112V;
service search warrant means a warrant issued under section 112ZG;
shooting gallery means any room, gallery, saloon, land or premises used with the permission of a Council (within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2020) for the purpose of practising shooting with airguns, other than paintball markers, whether on payment or otherwise;
silencer means any instrument or thing by means of which the sound caused by the discharge of a firearm is rendered less audible, whether the instrument or thing forms part of the firearm or is or can be affixed or attached to the firearm;
single shot antique handgun means an antique handgun that is a black powder handgun that is capable of firing one shot only before requiring reloading;
special vulnerability, in relation to a person, means that the person—
(a)is an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander; or
(b)is under the age of 18 years; or
(c)is experiencing any ill health, including any mental illness; or
(d)has a disability, including a physical disability, intellectual disability or cognitive impairment;
spouse of a person means a person to whom the person is married;
term of imprisonment includes—
(a)a term that is suspended wholly or partly; and
(b)any term of imprisonment that is served by way of intensive correction in the community within the meaning of the Sentencing Act 1991 as in force before the commencement of section 15 of the Sentencing Amendment (Community Correction Reform) Act 2011; and
(c)any period during which a person has been released on parole under the Corrections Act 1986; and
(d)any period of detention in a youth justice centre;
vehicleincludes motor vehicle, aircraft and vessel;
Victoria Police has the same meaning as in the Victoria Police Act 2013;
Victoria Police employee has the same meaning as in the Victoria Police Act 2013;
work purposes in Victoria, in relation to the requirement to hold a firearm licence, means that the applicant or the holder of the licence, as the case may be—
(a)is required under a contract of employment or a contract for services to hold a Victorian firearm licence; or
(b)in the normal course of conducting a business is required to hold a Victorian firearm licence.
(1A)For the purposes of the definition of domestic partner in subsection (1)—
(a)registered relationship has the same meaning as in the Relationships Act 2008; and
(b)in determining whether persons who are not in a registered relationship are domestic partners of each other, all the circumstances of their relationship are to be taken into account, including any one or more of the matters referred to in section 35(2) of the Relationships Act 2008 as may be relevant in a particular case; and
(c)a person is not a domestic partner of another person only because they are co-tenants.
* * * * *
(3)For the purposes of this Act, in determining whether a particular offence is a first offence, any other offence in respect of which a conviction was recorded or a finding of guilt was made 10 years or more before the commission of the particular offence, is to be disregarded.
(4)This Act does not apply to a firearm that was manufactured before 1900, if—
(a)in the case of any such firearm that is a longarm—
(i)it does not take cartridge ammunition; or
(ii)if it does take cartridge ammunition, the cartridge ammunition that it takes is not commercially available; or
(b)the firearm—
(i)is not a handgun of a type that uses percussion, or methods developed during or after the development of percussion, as a means of ignition; or
(ii)is a single shot antique handgun.
3ATemporary declarations by the Chief Commissioner for the purposes of certain definitions
(1)The Chief Commissioner may, for the purposes of—
(a)paragraph (f) of the definition of category D longarm; or
(b)paragraph (c) of the definition of category E handgun; or
(c)paragraph (f) of the definition of category E longarm—
in consultation with the Minister, by instrument, declare a firearm or type of firearm to be a category D longarm, a category E handgun or a category E longarm (as the case may be).
(2)The Chief Commissioner must cause a declaration made under subsection (1) to be published in the Government Gazette as soon as practicable after the declaration is made.
(3)A declaration under subsection (1) remains in force for a period of 12 months from the day on which it is published unless it is revoked during that time by the Chief Commissioner.
(4)The Chief Commissioner must notify each person whom the Chief Commissioner is aware is in possession of a firearm to which a declaration under subsection (1) applies of the declaration.
(5)The Chief Commissioner must not make a declaration referred to in subsection (1) in respect of the same type of firearm more than once.
(6)If the Chief Commissioner makes a declaration under subsection (1) declaring a firearm or a type of firearm to be of a particular category and there is in force a regulation prescribing another category for the firearm or type of firearm—
(a)the declaration has effect despite the regulation; and
(b)the regulation is to be taken to have no force or effect for so long as the declaration is in force.
(7)In any proceeding for an offence under section 6(4), 6(5) or 7(2) in respect of a firearm that is declared to be a category D longarm, a category E handgun or a category E longarm, it is a defence to the charge if the person has not been notified by the Chief Commissioner of the declaration under subsection (4).
3BPermanent declarations by the Chief Commissioner for the purposes of certain definitions
(1)The Chief Commissioner, by instrument, may declare a firearm or type of firearm that would otherwise be a category A longarm, category B longarm or category C longarm to be—
(a)a category D longarm; or
(b)a category E longarm—
if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the firearm or type of firearm subject to the declaration is designed or adapted for military purposes, or substantially duplicates a firearm of that type in design, function or appearance.
(2)In choosing whether a firearm or type of firearm is to be declared a category D longarm or category E longarm, the Chief Commissioner must have regard to which of those categories the firearm or type of firearm most closely resembles.
(3)The Chief Commissioner must cause a declaration under subsection (1) to be published in the Government Gazette as soon as practicable after the declaration is made.
(4)A declaration under subsection (1) takes effect on the day it is published in the Government Gazette or on the later day specified in the declaration.
(5)The Chief Commissioner must notify each person whom the Chief Commissioner is aware is in possession of a firearm to which a declaration under subsection (1) applies of the declaration.
(6)If the Chief Commissioner makes a declaration under subsection (1) declaring a firearm or a type of firearm to be a category D longarm or a category E longarm, the firearm or type of firearm is, for the purposes of this Act, taken to be a firearm or type of firearm of that category only, despite anything to the contrary in section 3 or 3A or the regulations.
(7)In any proceeding for an offence under section 6(4) or 6(5) in respect of a firearm that is declared under subsection (1) to be a category D longarm or a category E longarm, it is a defence to the charge if the person has not been notified by the Chief Commissioner of the declaration under subsection (5).
3C Chief Commissioner may allow a person to continue to be licensed or renew firearms licence following temporary or permanent declaration
(1)If the Chief Commissioner makes a declaration in relation to a firearm in accordance with section 3A or 3B, the Chief Commissioner may, on and after the relevant day, allow a person who, immediately before the relevant day, held a category A, B, C, D or E longarm licence and was in possession of the firearm declared to be of a particular category by the Chief Commissioner to—
(a)continue to be licensed to possess, carry or use the firearm under the person's existing category A, B, C, D or E longarm licence (as the case requires) until the earlier of the following occurs—
(i)the firearm is disposed of;
(ii)the person's licence expires;
(iii)the person's licence is surrendered, suspended or cancelled; or
(b)renew the person's category A, B, C, D or E longarm licence (as the case requires) in accordance with Part 2 for the purposes of continuing to be licensed to possess, carry or use the firearm under that licence until the earlier of the following occurs—
(i)the firearm is disposed of;
(ii)the person's licence expires;
(iii)the person's licence is surrendered, suspended or cancelled.
(2)The Chief Commissioner must notify, in writing, a person referred to in subsection (1) of the Chief Commissioner's decision.
Note
The Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000 applies to enable the Chief Commissioner to notify a person electronically, including by email, in accordance with that Act.
(3)In this section—
relevant day means the day on which a declaration made by the Chief Commissioner under section 3A or 3B is published in the Government Gazette under section 3A(2) or 3B(3) (as the case requires).
4Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of Victoria and, so far as the legislative power of the Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.
4AARepeal of provisions regarding firearm prohibition orders
Despite anything to the contrary in the Firearms Amendment Act 2018, the following provisions are repealed on 8 May 2028—
(a)the definitions of firearm prohibition order, in detention, service direction determination, service search warrant and special vulnerability in section 3(1);
(b)Part 4A;
(c)Part 10A.
PART 2—POSSESSION, CARRIAGE OR USE OF FIREARMS AND RELATED ITEMS
Division 1—Offences
5Offence for prohibited person to possess, carry or use a firearm
(1)A prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a firearm.
Penalty:1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
* * * * *
(2)A prohibited person must not possess, carry or use—
(a)a silencer; or
(b)any other prescribed item.
Penalty:480 penalty units or 8 years imprisonment.
6Offence for non-prohibited person to possess, carry or use a longarm without a licence
(1)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category A longarm that is registered unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:120 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
(2)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category B longarm that is registered unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:120 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
(3)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category C longarm that is registered unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
(4)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category D longarm that is registered unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
(5)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category E longarm that is registered unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment.
(5A)A non-prohibited person must not possess carry or use a paintball marker unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:120 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
(6)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a longarm that is not a category A, B, C, D or E longarm or a paintball marker.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
6AOffence to possess, carry or use an unregistered longarm
(1)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category A or category B longarm that is not registered.
Penalty:For a first offence, 120 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment;
For a second or subsequent offence, 1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
(2)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category C or category D longarm that is not registered.
Penalty:For a first offence, 240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment;
For a second or subsequent offence, 1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
(3)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a category E longarm that is not registered.
Penalty:For a first offence, 600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment;
For a second or subsequent offence, 1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
(4)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a paintball marker that is not registered.
Penalty:For a first offence, 120 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment;
For a second or subsequent offence, 1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
7Offence for non-prohibited person to possess, carry or use a handgun without a licence
(1)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a registered general category handgun for purposes other than the purpose of collecting handguns, unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under Division 3 or 5 of this Part.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
(2)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a registered category E handgun for purposes other than the purpose of collecting handguns, unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under Division 3 of this Part.
Penalty:600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment.
(3)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a registered general category handgun, that was manufactured before 1 January 1947, for the purpose of collecting handguns, unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under section 21 or section 25.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
(4)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a registered category E handgun for the purpose of collecting handguns unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under section 21 or section 25.
Penalty:600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment.
(5)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a registered general category handgun, that was manufactured on or after 1 January 1947, for the purpose of collecting handguns, unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under section 21A.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
(6)A non-prohibited person must not possess, carry or use a registered category E handgun, that was manufactured on or after 1 January 1947, for the purpose of collecting handguns, unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under section 21A.
Penalty:600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment.
7AOffences for certain types of handguns
(1)A person who is the holder of a handgun target shooting licence must not possess, carry or use—
(a)unless authorised by the Chief Commissioner under subsection (2), any handgun that has a barrel length of—
(i)in the case of a semi-automatic handgun, less than 120 mm; or
(ii)in the case of a revolver or single shot handgun, less than 100 mm; or
(b)unless authorised by the Chief Commissioner under subsection (4) any handgun that has a calibre of more than ·45 inch; or
(c)unless authorised by the Chief Commissioner under subsection (4), any handgun that has a calibre of more than ·38 inch but not more than ·45 inch; or
(d)a handgun that has a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.
Penalty:240 penalty units or 4 years imprisonment.
(2)Upon application by a person who is the holder of, or an applicant for, a handgun target shooting licence, the Chief Commissioner may authorise the applicant to possess, carry or use a general category handgun that has a barrel length—
(a)in the case of a semi-automatic handgun, of less than 120 mm; or
(b)in the case of a revolver or single shot handgun, of less than 100 mm.
(3)In granting an authorisation under subsection (2) the Chief Commissioner may have regard to—
(a)whether or not the handgun is required for participation in approved handgun target shooting matches; and
(b)the experience of the applicant in the use of handguns for target shooting; and
(c)whether or not the handgun is appropriate for possession, carriage or use for target shooting; and
(d)the general size, appearance and other characteristics of the handgun; and
(e)any other relevant matter.
(4)Upon application by a person who is the holder of or an applicant for a handgun target shooting licence, the Chief Commissioner may authorise the applicant to possess, carry or use a general category handgun—
(a)that has a calibre of more than ·45 inch; or
(b)that has a calibre of more than ·38 inch but not more than ·45 inch.
(5)In granting an authorisation under subsection (4) the Chief Commissioner may have regard to—
(a)whether or not the handgun is required for participation in approved handgun target shooting matches; and
(b)the experience of the applicant in the use of handguns for target shooting; and
(c)whether or not a club to which the applicant belongs or at which the applicant intends to use the handgun is adapted to enable ammunition that may be used in a firearm of the calibre applied for to be used appropriately and safely; and
(d)whether or not the handgun is appropriate for possession, carriage or use for target shooting; and
(e)the general size, appearance and other characteristics of the handgun; and
(f)any other relevant matter.
(6)This section does not apply to a black powder handgun.
(7)This section does not apply to a person who is the holder of a handgun target shooting licence—
(a)who possesses, carries or uses a general category handgun, that is of a class to which subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) applies, on an approved shooting range for the purpose of determining whether or not to purchase the handgun or apply for an authorisation under this section for the handgun; or
(b)who possesses, carries or uses a general category handgun, that is of a class to which subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) applies, in an approved handgun target shooting match at an approved shooting range as the result of the malfunction of another handgun being used by that person in that match; or
(c)who possesses, carries or uses a general category handgun, that is of a class to which subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) applies, for the purposes of instructing another person in the use of the handgun; or
(d)who possesses a general category handgun, that is of a class to which subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) applies, for the purposes of storing the handgun.
7BOffence to possess, carry or use an unregistered handgun
(1)A person must not possess, carry or use a general category handgun that is not registered.
Penalty:For a first offence, 600 penalty units or 7 years imprisonment;
For a second or subsequent offence, 1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
(2)A person must not possess, carry or use a category E handgun that is not registered.
Penalty:For a first offence, 1800 penalty units or 14 years imprisonment;
For a second or subsequent offence, 2100 penalty units or 17 years imprisonment.
7CPossession of a traffickable quantity of firearms
(1)A person must not possess 2 or more firearms unless the person does so in accordance with this Act or the regulations.
Penalty:1200 penalty units or 10 years imprisonment.
(2)A person who is convicted or found guilty of an offence against subsection (1) is not liable to be convicted of an offence against section 5(1), section 6(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6), section 6A(1), (2) or (3), section 7(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) or section 7B(1) or (2).
8Offence to acquire, dispose of possess or carry cartridge ammunition for collections
A person must not acquire, dispose of, possess or carry cartridge ammunition for the purposes of collecting cartridge ammunition unless that person does so under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Part.
Penalty:60 penalty units or 12 months imprisonment.
8AProof of registration of firearm
In any proceedings for an offence under this Act, evidence that—
(a)a firearm does not have a serial number; or
(b)the serial number of a firearm has been erased, defaced or altered; or
(c)the serial number of a firearm is illegible—
is admissible to establish that the firearm is not registered and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of that fact.
Division 2—Longarm licences
9Issue of longarm licences
(1)The Chief Commissioner may licence a person to possess, carry or use registered category A longarms for the reason specified in the licence.
(2)The Chief Commissioner may licence a person to possess, carry or use registered category B longarms for the reason specified in the licence.
(3)The Chief Commissioner may licence a person to possess, carry or use—
(a)for the reason of clay target shooting—
(i)more than one registered category C longarm, being shotguns, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the person has a genuine need to possess, carry or use more than one such longarm; or
(ii)in any other case, not more than one registered category C longarm, being a shotgun; or
(b)for any other reason set out in section 11(1)(a)—
(i)not more than one registered category C longarm, being a rifle; and
(ii)not more than one registered category C longarm, being a shotgun; or
(c)for a reason set out in section 11(1)(a)(i) or (iv)—
(i)more than one registered category C longarm, being tranquilliser guns, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the person has a genuine need to possess, carry or use more than one such longarm; or
(ii)in any other case, not more than one registered category C longarm, being a tranquilliser gun.
(4)The Chief Commissioner may licence a person to possess, carry or use—
(a)not more than one registered category D longarm, being a rifle; and
(b)not more than one registered category D longarm, being a shotgun—
for the reason specified in the licence.
(5)The Chief Commissioner may licence a person to possess, carry or use one or more category E longarms for the reason specified in the licence.
(6)The Chief Commissioner may licence a person to possess, carry or use a registered paintball marker for the reason specified in the licence.
10Reasons for applying for longarm licence, category A or B
(1)The Chief Commissioner must not issue a longarm licence for category A or B longarms unless the applicant can demonstrate that the licence is required for one or more of the following reasons—
(a)for sport or target shooting;
(b)for hunting;
(c)for primary production;
(d)for the occupation of security guard or prison guard;
(e)for an official, commercial or prescribed purpose or for a purpose authorised by an Act or regulations.
(2)For the purpose of demonstrating that the licence is required for—
(a)sport or target shooting—
(i)the applicant must be a member of a shooting club or shooting organisation which is approved by the Chief Commissioner; and
(ii)the applicant must engage in sport or target shooting only at a place which is authorised by or under this Act as a place at which sport or target shooting using category A or B longarms may take place;
(b)hunting, the applicant must—
(i)produce written evidence that the applicant owns, occupies or manages the land on which he or she intends to hunt; or
(ia)the applicant must be a member of a shooting club or shooting organisation which is approved by the Chief Commissioner; or
(ii)produce written evidence from the owner or manager of any privately owned land on which he or she intends to hunt that he or she may be permitted from time to time to use that land for the purposes of hunting; or
(iii)if the applicant is the holder of a game licence issued under the Wildlife Act 1975, produce the licence; or
(iv)produce written evidence that he or she is from time to time formally employed, engaged or contracted to shoot pest animals or take game; or
(v)produce written permission to hunt pest animals on Crown land, from the Secretary to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment or from any person nominated by the Secretary to give that permission;
(c)primary production, the applicant must produce evidence that he or she is regularly engaged in the business of primary production as an owner, lessee or manager of land used for the primary production or is a person employed for the purposes of such a business;
(d)the occupation of security or prison guard, the applicant must—
(i)hold a licence under the Private Security Act 2004 that authorises him or her to perform armed guard activities or cash-in-transit activities or be a prison officer, a contractor or a sub-contractor within the meaning of the Corrections Act 1986 or an employee of such a contractor or sub-contractor; and
(ii)which must be firmly fixed to the wall or floor of the room; and
(iii)the doors of which are attached with concealed or welded hinges; and
(iv)which, when any firearm is stored in it, is locked with a lock which is so constructed as to prevent the doors of the container being easily sprung.
(2)If—
(a)in the case of an antique handgun, more than 15 antique handguns are stored on the premises where the handgun is stored; or
(b)in any other case, more than 5 firearms are stored on the premises where the firearm is stored—
the premises must be fitted with an intruder alarm system—
(c)the installation, maintenance and operation of which complies with Australian Standard 2201.1:2007 (as amended from time to time); and
(d)which, in the event of an intrusion, activates an audible alarm warning device and an external visible alarm warning light.
(2A)The key to the container in which the firearm is stored must—
(a)be carried by the holder of the licence; or
(b)be kept securely in a separate room from the container—
when the container is not being accessed.
(3)The firearm must not be removed from the container except by the holder of the licence.
(4)Any bolt or firing pin which is required to be stored separately from the firearm it is a part of, must be stored in the same manner as is required for the storage of a firearm under a longarm licence for a category A or B longarm.
3AFirearms collectors licences—section 122(1A)
The firearm must be stored in a receptacle—
(a)which is constructed of hard wood or steel that is not easily penetrable; and
(b)which, if it weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, must be fixed to the frame of the floor or the wall of the premises where the firearm is kept in such a manner that it is not easily removable; and
(c)which when any firearm is stored in it is locked with a lock of sturdy construction.
4Firearms heirlooms licences
(1)The firearm must be stored in a receptacle—
(a)which is constructed of hard wood or steel that is not easily penetrable; and
(b)which, if it weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, must be fixed to the frame of the floor or the wall of the premises where the firearm is kept in such a manner that it is not easily removable; and
(c)which, when any firearm is stored in it, is locked with a lock of sturdy construction.
(2)Despite paragraph (1) of this item, the firearm may be displayed by being fixed to the wall of a room in a manner that makes it unable to be readily removed.
5Firearms ammunition collectors licences
The ammunition must be stored in a receptacle—
(a)which is constructed of hard wood or steel that is not easily penetrable; and
(b)which, if it weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, must be fixed to the frame of the floor or the wall of the premises where the ammunition is kept in such a manner that it is not easily removable; and
(c)which, when any ammunition is stored in it, is locked with a lock made of sturdy construction.
═══════════════
ENDNOTES
1 General information
See for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.
Minister's second reading speech—
Legislative Assembly: 31 October 1996
Legislative Council: 3 December 1996
The long title for the Bill for this Act was "to re-enact, with amendments, the Firearms Act 1958 to make various consequential amendments to other Acts and for other purposes."
Constitution Act 1975:
Section 85(5) statement:
Legislative Assembly: 31 October 1996
Legislative Council: 3 December 1996
Absolute majorities:
Legislative Assembly: 19 and 21 November 1996
Legislative Council: 5 December 1996
The Firearms Act 1996 was assented to on 17 December 1996 and came into operation as follows:
Sections 1, 2 on 17 December 1996: section 2(1); sections 3, 189 and 196 on 6 February 1997: Government Gazette 6 February 1997 page 257—see Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984; rest of Act (except sections 201(3), 202) on 29 April 1997: Government Gazette 24 April 1997 page 921; sections 201(3) and 202 on 31 January 1998: section 2(3).
INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)
Style changes
Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.
References to ILA s. 39B
Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original section or clause.
Interpretation
As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:
• Headings
All headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A).
• Examples, diagrams or notes
All examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A).
• Punctuation
All punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B).
• Provision numbers
All provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).
• Location of "legislative items"
A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.
• Other material
Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act.
See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).
2 Table of Amendments
This publication incorporates amendments made to the Firearms Act 1996 by Acts and subordinate instruments.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Police and Corrections (Amendment) Act 1997, No. 26/1997
Assent Date: 20.5.97 Commencement Date: Ss 26, 27, 35 on 17.12.96: s. 2(2); ss 17–25, 28–31, 34, 36, 37 on 22.5.97: Government Gazette 22.5.97 p. 1131; ss 32, 33 on 2.10.97: Government Gazette 2.10.97 p. 2731 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Sentencing and Other Acts (Amendment) Act 1997, No. 48/1997 (as amended by No. 74/2000)
Assent Date: 11.6.97 Commencement Date: S. 60(2) on 1.9.97: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Law and Justice Legislation (Further Amendment) Act 1997, No. 84/1997
Assent Date: 2.12.97 Commencement Date: Ss 41–47 on 2.12.97: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms (Amendment) Act 1998, No. 22/1998
Assent Date: 5.5.98 Commencement Date: Ss 1, 2 on 5.5.98: s. 2(1); ss 3–40(b), 40(d), 40(f), 40(h)–43, Sch. on 6.8.98: Government Gazette 9.7.98 p. 1852; s. 40(c), (e), (g) on 7.9.98: Government Gazette 3.9.98 p. 2342 CurrentState: All of Act in operation
Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998
Assent Date: 26.5.98 Commencement Date: S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Tribunals and Licensing Authorities (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 52/1998
Assent Date: 2.6.98 Commencement Date: S. 311(Sch. 1 item 30) on 1.7.98: Government Gazette 18.6.98 p. 1512 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Police Regulation and Firearms (Amendment) Act 1999, No. 30/1999
Assent Date: 1.6.99 Commencement Date: Ss 30–32 on 22.8.99: Government Gazette 12.8.99 p. 1889 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Psychologists Registration Act 2000, No. 41/2000
Assent Date: 6.6.00 Commencement Date: S. 102(Sch. item 4) on 1.6.01: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Corporations (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001, No. 44/2001
Assent Date: 27.6.01 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. item 45) on 15.7.01: s. 2 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law Further Amendment (Relationships) Act 2001, No. 72/2001
Assent Date: 7.11.01 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. item 8) on 20.12.01: Government Gazette 20.12.01 p. 3127 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Control of Weapons and Firearms Acts (Search Powers) Act 2003, No. 9/2003
Assent Date: 6.5.03 Commencement Date: Ss 9–15 on 5.10.03: Government Gazette 2.10.03 p. 2538 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Act 2003, No. 28/2003
Assent Date: 20.5.03 Commencement Date: Ss 3(1)(a)–(e)(h)(i), 4–9, 11–13, 15–17, 19–22, 29, 38–45, 46(1)(3), 47–49, 51, 52, 54, 56–63, 67–73 on 1.7.03: Special Gazette (No. 130) 1.7.03 p. 1; ss 3(1)(f)(g)(2), 10, 14, 18, 23–28, 30–37, 46(2), 50, 53, 55, 64, 65, 66, 74, 75 on 1.1.04: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms (Amendment) Act 2003, No. 107/2003
Assent Date: 9.12.03 Commencement Date: S. 8 on 10.12.03: s. 2(2); ss 3–7 on 1.1.04: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Private Security Act 2004, No. 33/2004
Assent Date: 1.6.04 Commencement Date: S. 207 on 1.7.05: s. 2(3) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Public Administration Act 2004, No. 108/2004
Assent Date: 21.12.04 Commencement Date: S. 117(1)(Sch. 3 item 78) on 5.4.05: Government Gazette 31.3.05 p. 602 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Legal Profession (Consequential Amendments) Act 2005, No. 18/2005
Assent Date: 24.5.05 Commencement Date: S. 18(Sch. 1 item 43) on 12.12.05: Government Gazette 1.12.05 p. 2781 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms (Further Amendment) Act 2005, No. 78/2005 (as amended by No. 50/2007)
Assent Date: 22.11.05 Commencement Date: Ss 3(1)(b), 6(4)(6)(7), 12(2)(b), 12(3)(b)(c), 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30(2), 31, 32, 35–38, 45–47, 49–51, 55, 57, 58, 61(1)(2), 62(1)(2), 66 on 1.1.06: Government Gazette 22.12.05 p. 2972; ss 3(1)(a)(c)(d)(2), 4, 5, 6(1)(2)(3)(5), 7–10, 12(1)(2)(a)(3)(a)(4)(5)(6), 13, 14, 16–18, 20, 21, 24, 29, 30(1), 34, 39–44, 52, 53, 56, 60, 61(3), 62(3), 63 on 1.7.06: Government Gazette 29.6.06 p. 1315; ss 11, 15, 27, 33, 48, 59 on 1.10.06: s. 2(4); ss 64, 65 on 1.7.08: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Health Professions Registration Act 2005, No. 97/2005
Assent Date: 7.12.05 Commencement Date: S. 182(Sch. 4 item 20) on 1.7.07: s. 2(3) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Disability Act 2006, No. 23/2006
Assent Date: 16.5.06 Commencement Date: S. 238 on 1.7.07: s. 2(3) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law (Further Revision) Act 2006, No. 29/2006
Assent Date: 6.6.06 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. 1 item 11) on 7.6.06: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Infringements (Consequential and Other Amendments) Act 2006, No. 32/2006
Assent Date: 13.6.06 Commencement Date: S. 94(Sch. item 20) on 1.7.06: Government Gazette 29.6.06 p. 1315 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Children, Youth and Families (Consequential and Other Amendments) Act 2006, No. 48/2006
Assent Date: 15.8.06 Commencement Date: S. 42(Sch. item 14) on 23.4.07: s. 2(3) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Corrections and Other Justice Legislation (Amendment) Act 2006, No. 49/2006
Assent Date: 15.8.06 Commencement Date: S. 22 on 16.8.06: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Public Sector Acts (Further Workplace Protection and Other Matters) Act 2006, No. 80/2006
Assent Date: 10.10.06 Commencement Date: S. 26(Sch. item 39) on 11.10.06: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law Revision Act 2007, No. 28/2007
Assent Date: 26.6.07 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. item 26) on 27.6.07: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms Amendment Act 2007, No. 50/2007
Assent Date: 17.10.07 Commencement Date: Ss 3(1)(a)(c)–(g)(2), 4–8, 12, 14–19, 25–27, 30,
32–35, 40–53, 55 on 30.6.08: Government Gazette 26.6.08 p. 1388; ss 3(1)(b)(3), 9–11, 13, 20–24, 28, 29, 31, 36–39, 54, 56 on 1.9.08: s. 2(2)CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Relationships Act 2008, No. 12/2008
Assent Date: 15.4.08 Commencement Date: S. 73(1)(Sch. 1 item 23) on 1.12.08: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2008, No. 21/2008
Assent Date: 2.6.08 Commencement Date: Ss 7, 9–12 on 3.6.08: s. 2(1); s. 8 on 30.6.08: s. 2(3)(b) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Police Integrity Act 2008, No. 34/2008
Assent Date: 1.7.08 Commencement Date: S. 143(Sch. 2 item 7) on 5.12.08: Special Gazette (No. 340) 4.12.08 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Family Violence Protection Act, No. 52/2008
Assent Date: 23.9.08 Commencement Date: Ss 245–249 on 8.12.08: Special Gazette (No. 339) 4.12.08 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Stalking Intervention Orders Act 2008, No. 68/2008 (as amended by No. 20/2011)
Assent Date: 18.11.08 Commencement Date: Ss 70–76 on 8.12.08: Special Gazette (No. 339) 4.12.08 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2009, No. 25/2009
Assent Date: 17.6.09 Commencement Date: Ss 8–11 on 3.9.09: Government Gazette 3.9.09 p. 2331 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Further Amendment Act 2009, No. 55/2009
Assent Date: 22.9.09 Commencement Date: Ss 15–21 on 30.10.09: Government Gazette 29.10.09 p. 2729 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law Amendment (Evidence Consequential Provisions) Act 2009, No. 69/2009
Assent Date: 24.11.09 Commencement Date: S. 54(Sch. Pt 2 item 21) on 1.1.10: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law Amendment (National Health Practitioner Regulation) Act 2010, No. 13/2010
Assent Date: 30.3.10 Commencement Date: S. 51(Sch. item 23) on 1.7.10: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms and Other Acts Amendment Act 2010, No. 52/2010
Assent Date: 7.9.10 Commencement Date: Ss 3(1)(b)(d), 4, 17, 19, 21, 23 on 1.11.10: Government Gazette 28.10.10 p. 2583;
ss 3(1)(a)(c)(2), 5–16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25 on 1.7.11: s. 2(2)CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010, No. 53/2010
Assent Date: 7.9.10 Commencement Date: S. 221(Sch. item 5) on 5.9.11: Special Gazette (No. 271) 23.8.11 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Education and Training Reform Amendment (School Safety) Act 2011, No. 11/2011
Assent Date: 10.5.11 Commencement Date: S. 7 on 1.1.12: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law Revision Act 2011, No. 29/2011
Assent Date: 21.6.11 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. 1 item 38) on 22.6.11: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Sentencing Amendment (Community Correction Reform) Act 2011, No. 65/2011 (as amended by No. 43/2012)
Assent Date: 22.11.11 Commencement Date: S. 107(Sch. item 6) on 16.1.12: Special Gazette (No. 423) 21.12.11 p. 3 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Control of Weapons and Firearms Acts Amendment Act 2012, No. 12/2012
Assent Date: 20.3.12 Commencement Date: Ss 7–12 on 16.5.12: Special Gazette (No. 157) 15.5.12 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012, No. 20/2012
Assent Date: 1.5.12 Commencement Date: S. 226(Sch. 5 item 13) on 26.11.12: Special Gazette (No. 384) 20.11.12 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Statute Law Revision Act 2012, No. 43/2012
Assent Date: 27.6.12 Commencement Date: S. 3(Sch. item 18) on 28.6.12: s. 2(1) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Integrity and Accountability Legislation Amendment Act 2012, No. 82/2012
Assent Date: 18.12.12 Commencement Date: Ss 94–99, 288 on 10.2.13: Special Gazette (No. 32) 6.2.13 p. 2; s. 309 on 11.2.13: s. 2(5) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014, No. 17/2014
Assent Date: 25.3.14 Commencement Date: S. 160(Sch. 2 item 42) on 1.7.15: Special Gazette (No. 151) 16.6.15 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Mental Health Act 2014, No. 26/2014
Assent Date: 8.4.14 Commencement Date: S. 455(Sch. item 10) on 1.7.14: s. 2(1) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Victoria Police Amendment (Consequential and Other Matters) Act 2014, No. 37/2014
Assent Date: 3.6.14 Commencement Date: S. 10(Sch. item 63) on 1.7.14: Special Gazette (No. 200) 24.6.14 p. 2 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Criminal Organisations Control and Other Acts Amendment Act 2014, No. 55/2014
Assent Date: 26.8.14 Commencement Date: Ss 87–102 on 1.10.14: Special Gazette (No. 330) 23.9.14 p. 1; s. 147 on 31.10.14: Special Gazette (No. 330) 23.9.14 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Inquiries Act 2014, No. 67/2014
Assent Date: 23.9.14 Commencement Date: S. 147(Sch. 2 item 17) on 15.10.14: Special Gazette (No. 364) 14.10.14 p. 2 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2015, No. 20/2015
Assent Date: 16.6.15 Commencement Date: Ss 57, 58 on 1.9.15: Special Gazette (No. 236) 25.8.15 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms Amendment (Trafficking and Other Measures) Act 2015, No. 44/2015
Assent Date: 22.9.15 Commencement Date: Ss 3–8 on 1.12.15: Special Gazette (No. 349) 18.11.15 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Act 2016, No. 53/2016
Assent Date: 18.10.16 Commencement Date: Ss 96–101 on 25.11.17: Special Gazette (No. 388) 15.11.17 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Victorian Fisheries Authority Act 2016, No. 68/2016
Assent Date: 15.11.16 Commencement Date: Ss 163, 164 on 1.7.17: s. 2(2) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Family Violence Protection Amendment (Information Sharing) Act 2017, No. 23/2017
Assent Date: 14.6.17 Commencement Date: S. 38 on 26.2.18: Special Gazette (No. 40) 6.2.18 p. 1 CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms Amendment Act 2018, No. 2/2018
Assent Date: 13.2.18 Commencement Date: Ss 4–37 on 9.5.18: Special Gazette (No. 209) 8.5.18 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018, No. 6/2018
Assent Date: 27.2.18 Commencement Date: S. 68(Sch. 2 item 53) on 1.3.19: s. 2(2) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Serious Offenders Act 2018, No. 27/2018
Assent Date: 26.6.18 Commencement Date: S. 359 on 3.9.18: Special Gazette (No. 356) 31.7.18 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Act 2019, No. 3/2019
Assent Date: 13.3.19 Commencement Date: Ss 39, 42, 44, 46 on 5.6.19: Special Gazette (No. 215) 4.6.19 p. 1; ss 38, 40, 41, 43, 45 on 1.10.19: Special Gazette (No. 386) 24.9.19 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firefighters' Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Act 2019, No. 20/2019
Assent Date: 2.7.19 Commencement Date: S. 172 on 1.7.20: Special Gazette (No. 328) 30.6.20 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Act 2019, No. 40/2019
Assent Date: 6.11.19 Commencement Date: S. 101 on 1.2.20: s. 2(2) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Local Government Act 2020, No. 9/2020
Assent Date: 24.3.20 Commencement Date: S. 390(Sch. 1 item 41) on 6.4.20: Special Gazette (No. 150) 24.3.20 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms and Other Acts Amendment Act 2021, No. 44/2021
Assent Date: 26.10.21 Commencement Date: Ss 8–24 on 30.8.22: s. 2(3) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, No. 39/2022
Assent Date: 6.9.22 Commencement Date: Ss 824, 825 on 1.9.23: s. 2(2) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Act 2024, No. 2/2024
Assent Date: 20.2.24 Commencement Date: Ss 9−13 on 21.2.24: s. 2(1); s. 14 on 13.11.24: s. 2(3) CurrentState: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Firearms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Act 2024, No. 10/2024
Assent Date: 26.3.24 Commencement Date: Ss 4–23 on 13.11.24: s. 2(3) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Justice Legislation Amendment (Integrity, Defamation and Other Matters) Act 2024, No. 31/2024
Assent Date: 10.9.24 Commencement Date: S. 113(Sch. 1 item 12) on 10.2.25: Special Gazette (No. 648) 26.11.24 p. 1 Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
Criminal Organisations Control Amendment Act 2024, No. 37/2024
Assent Date: 22.10.24 Commencement Date: S. 113 on 25.8.25: s. 2(2) Current State: This information relates only to the provision/s amending the Firearms Act 1996
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3 Explanatory details
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