New Queensland firearm licensing restrictions came into effect on 3 August, with Australian citizenship now a general eligibility requirement for a weapons licence.
Non-citizens can still seek exemptions where the licence is connected to approved sporting or occupational purposes, such as participation in shooting sports or work-related firearms use. This means club membership and a clearly documented genuine reason remain highly important for affected members and prospective applicants.
The changes follow reforms announced by Premier David Crisafulli after the Bondi Beach terror attack.
According to Queensland Police figures reported by ABC Rural, firearm licence applications rose sharply in March 2026, with 2,387 new applications compared with 1,971 in March 2025 — an increase of 21 per cent. As a state, Queensland has 234,732 issued weapons licences and 1,171,717 registered weapons by the end of May.
Reporting has also highlighted an increase in enquiries and safety-course bookings increasing after the reforms, as well as a rise in interest from women entering licensed shooting, with industry groups pointing to club recruitment, family participation and uncertainty about future rules as contributing factors.
SSAA members should ensure their licence details, club membership, genuine reason, storage arrangements and safety-course documentation are current and accurate. Anyone unsure how the changes apply to their situation should seek advice from Weapons Licensing Queensland or their club before lodging or renewing an application.
SSAA member takeaway: Stay informed, keep records in order, and encourage affected members to check the exemption pathways rather than relying on hearsay. The practical message is simple: lawful sporting and occupational firearm use remains recognised, but applicants will need to be prepared to show their eligibility under the updated Queensland rules.