LICENSING GUIDE - Victoria

1. Licensing requirements

Under Section 10 of the state's Firearms Act :

(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 -

• for sport or target shooting;
• for hunting;
• for primary production;
• for the occupation of security guard or prison guard;
• for an official or commercial purpose or for a purpose authorised by the Act or regulations.

Before any licence can be issued, under Section 10 (2) (a)-(e) all applicants must provide written proof that they - have permission to hunt on private land, or hold a game license under the Wildlife Act 1975, or are a member of an approved club, or have the appropriate occupational prerequisites.

Anyone seeking a firearm collectors license has to have been "a member of an organisation of firearm collectors approved by the Chief Commissioner" for at least six months.

Anyone seeking a licence for a category D or E longarm, a handgun or a firearm collection must provide a full set of their fingerprints.

A 28 day waiting period applies to first time applicants only.

Exemptions for category C shotguns extend to all clay target clubs approved by the Chief Commissioner.

2. Storage requirements

Under Schedule 4 of the Firearms Act, category A and B firearms must be kept in a locked container made of either hardwood or steel which is securely attached to the building - unless it weighs more the 150 kilograms. Category C and D firearms, as well as all handguns, must held in a steel container.

If more than 15 firearms are stored on a particular premises the building must be fitted with an effective alarm system.

Ammunition must be stored in a separate locked container.

3. Hunting

Victoria issues game licenses for the taking of particular species under the state's Wildlife Act 1975.

Hunting is permitted on private property with appropriate permission. Hunting is also permitted on Crown land in accordance with relevant state Acts and regulations and in certain areas of state forest.

4. Moving between states

Under Section 185 of the Firearms Act, Victoria recognises licenses issued in other states. However, visiting shooters must abide by the state's various laws and regulations. License holders who move to the state permanently must notify the Chief Commissioner of their intention, in which case their out-of-state license for category A and B firearms is valid of three months. In the case of category C and D longarms and all handguns however, the period is only 7 days.

5. Juniors

Under Section 18 of the Firearms Act the Chief Commissioner may issue a license for a category A, B, or C longarm or a handgun to individuals down to the age of 12 years provided they are engaging in competition shooting.