In the wake of last December’s Bondi tragedy, much confusion has arisen around Australia’s firearms legislation. SSAA CEO Tom Kenyon has been extremely active in keeping members informed of changes as they happen via our social media channels but, for those who choose not to use social media or are unfamiliar with it, we’ve address the top 10 most-asked question here in print.
Firearm ownership limits and how they impact farmers and shooters
Proposed caps on firearm ownership, such as limiting licensed shooters to a fixed number, may sound simple in theory but carry practical consequences for everyday users. For farmers and pest controllers, firearms are essential tools of the trade. Different tasks require different firearms and many rural properties involve multiple licensed family members sharing equipment. A strict ownership limit can force difficult choices between maintaining tools needed for farm work and participating in recreational or sporting shooting.
Competitive shooters are also affected. Different disciplines require specialised firearms, with serious competitors often relying on backup equipment to ensure reliability. Ownership caps may limit their ability to compete across events and prepare effectively, including at international level. There’s also a personal dimension as many shooters own heirloom firearms with sentimental and historical value. Numerical limits risk forcing owners to part with family heritage without clear evidence of added safety benefits.
The key concern is a single fixed cap doesn’t reflect how firearms are used in real life. Effective policy must balance public safety with the practical needs of farmers and sports shooters, ensuring regulation remains both fair and workable.
Is there a firearms buyback coming?
There’s currently no active compulsory national firearms buyback in place. While federal legislation allows the Home Affairs Minister to approve buyback schemes, any program would need to be implemented by individual states and territories and those jurisdictions are adopting different stances. Some states oppose participation, others are undecided, while a few have already taken independent legislative steps, creating uncertainty on how any future buyback would operate.
Although the Federal Government has allocated funding for a potential scheme, key details including timing, structure and compensation remain unresolved. As it stands, there’s no unified national rollout and any future buyback is likely to vary by state. Firearm owners should monitor official updates closely as negotiations between governments continue.
Can shooters still access firearm info online?
Yes. You can still access standard information such as reloading data, ballistic resources and maintenance guides. The recent federal amendments aren’t intended to criminalise everyday sporting activities. However the law’s wording is broad, creating uncertainty about how it may be interpreted, particularly for unlicensed individuals researching firearms before applying for a licence.
There’s also a mismatch between some state and federal rules governing the manufacture or printing of firearm parts, creating legal grey areas. Given this ambiguity, shooters are advised to proceed cautiously and seek legal advice before undertaking firearm part manufacturing or similar activities. Work is ongoing to clarify and amend the legislation so lawful owners are not unintentionally exposed to legal risk.
Are firearm exports now banned?
The answer is straightforward: There have been no changes to existing export arrangements. Firearms can still be exported under the standard rules and compliance processes.
How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used in licensing decisions?
Artificial Intelligence currently plays a very limited role in firearms regulation and is referenced only in federal legislation governing intelligence reviews related to licensing. AI may assist with background research and information filtering during intelligence checks, but doesn’t make licensing decisions. Final determinations remain the responsibility of human decision-makers, ensuring accountability and oversight at every stage.
Importantly, no state or territory legislation authorises AI to make or assist in firearms licensing decisions. Its role is confined to supporting federal intelligence processes as a research tool rather than replacing human judgment. The segment emphasises AI is intended to improve information handling efficiency, while preserving full human control over outcomes.
What role do states play from here?
Firearm regulation in Australia is largely a state responsibility. Although the National Firearms Agreement was introduced to create broadly consistent categories and standards nationwide, each state and territory ultimately controls its own legislation. As a result, states can adopt different rules or impose stricter requirements, creating variations across the country. Federal governments can propose reforms or funding schemes, but those changes take effect only if individual states agree and pass their own laws.
In practice, firearm reform is shaped by state politics. Premiers can advocate for change, though any amendment requires cabinet backing and parliamentary approval. Governors then formally sign the legislation as a procedural step. The result is a system in which national consistency is difficult to achieve, so the direction of firearm policy largely depends on decisions made in each state parliament.
What about genuine reasons for recreational shooters?
Recreational hunting and target shooting remain recognised genuine reasons for firearm ownership in Australia, though rules continue to vary significantly between states. In both New South Wales and Western Australia, hunting is still an accepted reason to hold firearms. However WA imposes stricter administrative requirements, including landholder consent and property registration, which create a more complex approval process. NSW continues to recognise hunting while introducing limits on the number of firearms an individual may hold.
Target shooting, particularly organised club and competition shooting, also remains a legitimate basis for firearm ownership. The broader picture, however, is one of fragmentation. There’s no unified national framework governing these genuine reasons, so future changes are likely to occur on a state-by-state basis. For shooters and hunters, staying informed about local regulations is essential, as compliance requirements are increasingly shaped by individual state policies rather than a single national standard.
What is SSAA pushing back on?
We’re actively resisting a wave of proposed firearm restrictions, including straight-pull bans, tighter import controls, buyback terms and ownership caps. The fight is unfolding state by state, with political conditions shaping how hard that resistance will be. Some jurisdictions appear more open to debate, while others present steeper challenges due to their current parliamentary makeup. Upcoming election cycles, particularly in New South Wales, are seen as key moments to revisit and challenge recent legislative changes.
At federal level, opposition to stricter import rules and rushed reforms persists, even amid tight parliamentary timelines. The message from advocates is clear: Firearm policy is moving quickly and unevenly across Australia, so sustained pressure will be needed during the coming year to seek amendments, challenge impractical measures and keep governments accountable.
Are accessories and clothing imports banned?
No. Recent legislative changes don’t ban the importation of firearms accessories or shooting clothing. The section of the Bill which would’ve introduced those restrictions was removed before the legislation passed. While there’s been confusion around this issue, import of accessories and clothing remains legal. We’ll continue to clarify what has and hasn’t changed so shooters remain accurately informed.
Does this affect travelling with firearms, including international competitors?
People travelling with firearms, including Olympic and international competition shooters, can still travel overseas with firearms and return with them, provided all required paperwork is completed in advance. This includes statutory declarations, coordination with Australian Border Force and confirmation of airline transport requirements. Most standard competition firearms, including single-shot and bolt-action rifles, remain unaffected. However in New South Wales, some disciplines which use straight-pull rifles may now require additional permissions. Travellers should check requirements early when planning equipment and upcoming events to avoid complications.