There has been a level of recent public speculation and confusion percolating in relation to NT firearm self-checks that SSAA wanted to factcheck so members can have some clarity.
While this self-check requirement puts an impost on lawful firearm owners, it may also be considered the “lesser of many potential evils” when alternatives may have included police visiting every registered gun owner.
Achieving the most pragmatic approach has been the primary objective of the SSAA Darwin/SSAA NT representatives on the NT Firearms Council (About NT Firearms Council | NT Firearms Council).
As many would know, in December 2023, National Cabinet agreed to implement a National Firearms Register (NFR), with the NFR Project officially commencing on 1 July 2024.
Part of this Commonwealth funded project is “improvements to data quality and upgrades and building firearms registry systems and portals will be conducted from 2024 – 2027”.
In the NT, the first phase of the project requires all NT firearms licence holders to complete a firearms self-check, so firearms records are ready to be uploaded into the NFR.
The NT Police have sent emails to all registered firearm owners, although if you haven’t received it, help guides are available online – Northern Territory Firearm self-check form | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services and also in PDF format – How to use self check form.
These resources specify that you will need to provide:
- basic licence holder information
- serial numbers of each firearm you own
- photographs of each firearm you own.
Details about photograph requirements are also explained. This includes that you’ll need photos showing:
- the firearm serial number
- both sides of the whole firearm
- firearm make/model
- firearm trigger/action
- any other distinguishing markings.
Guidance about how to take photographs is also available here – Northern Territory Firearm photo guidelines | NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services.
NT Police have specified that if you have multiple firearms, you don’t have to submit them all at once, and if you need help, contact the National Firearms Register team by emailing [email protected] or call (08) 8922 3543.