Firearms Regulations 2026

Firearms Regulations 2026

I, the Governor in and over the State of Tasmania and its Dependencies in the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, make the following regulations under the Firearms Act 1996 .

CAROLINE WELLS

Governor

By Her Excellency's Command,

FELIX ELLIS

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

PART 1 - Preliminary

1.   Short title

These regulations may be cited as the Firearms Regulations 2026 .

2.   Commencement

These regulations take effect on 19 October 2026.

3.   Interpretation

In these regulations –

Act means the Firearms Act 1996 ;

foam blaster means a toy firearm (including a device known as a NERF gun) or any other device that is not an imitation firearm, that is designed to propel a foam projectile by –

(a) means of a spring lever; or

(b) means of compressed air; or

(c) means of compressed gas; or

(d) means of pressurised water; or

(e) any other means;

gel blaster means a toy firearm or any other device that is not an imitation firearm, that is designed to propel hydrated polymer balls, or other similar gel-like projectiles, by means of compressed air or compressed gas;

modified, in relation to a toy firearm or a device declared in regulation 6 not to be a firearm, means that a toy firearm or a device has been modified to be capable of propelling a projectile in a manner that may cause bodily harm to a person;

stun gun – see regulation 4 .

4.   Meaning of stun gun

(1)  For the purposes of these regulations, a stun gun includes –

(a) a device that is – 

(i) commonly referred to, or known as, a stun gun, a taser or a conducted energy device; and

(ii) designed or adapted to be capable of administering an electric shock or electrical discharge by projecting, firing or expelling from the device –

(A) a part of that device; or

(B) a probe, dart or wire; or

(C) any other conductive material; and

(b) a device that is represented, marketed, sold or offered for sale as a device of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) .

(2)  For the purposes of subregulation (1) , a part of a stun gun is taken to be a stun gun if the part can, alone or in combination with one or more other parts, be assembled into a functioning stun gun.

(3)  For the purposes of these regulations, a stun gun does not include the following:

(a) medical equipment that is designed for a medical or therapeutic purpose;

(b) a device designed exclusively for the management, control, training or treatment of animals;

(c) an electric insect control device that has not been modified or adapted beyond its designed and manufactured purpose;

(d) a novelty shock toy that has not been modified or adapted beyond its designed and manufactured purpose.

5.   Prescribed firearms

For the purposes of paragraph (f) of the definition of firearm in section 3 of the Act, each of the following is a prescribed thing:

(a) a grenade launcher;

(b) a mortar that is capable of being carried manually by a single person;

(c) an item declared in regulation 6 not to be a firearm, but that has been modified;

(d) a stun gun.

6.   Devices declared not to be firearms

(1)  In this regulation –

captive bolt device means a device designed for use in an abattoir in the humane killing of livestock by means of a retractable bolt;

line thrower means a device designed to be used –

(a) to establish lines between structures, natural features, or vessels; or

(b) in lifesaving or distress signalling situations;

nail gun means a tool designed to drive or fasten a nail, spike or other fastener by means of –

(a) compressed air; or

(b) compressed gas; or

(c) combustible gas ignition; or

(d) blank fire cartridges; or

(e) another similar source of energy;

net thrower means a device designed to throw a net for the purpose of catching animals;

phaser means a device that –

(a) is fitted with a transmitter or receiver of infrared electromagnetic waves; and

(b) cannot easily be modified to fire a projectile.

(2)  For the purposes of the definition of firearm in section 3 of the Act, the following devices are declared not to be firearms:

(a) a captive bolt device that has not been modified;

(b) a foam blaster that has not been modified;

(c) a gel blaster that has not been modified;

(d) a line thrower that has not been modified;

(e) a nail gun that has not been modified;

(f) a net thrower that has not been modified;

(g) a phaser that has not been modified.

7.   Prescribed Acts

For the purposes of the definitions of interim restraint order and restraint order in section 3 of the Act, the following Acts are prescribed:

(a) the Family Violence Act 2016 of the Australian Capital Territory;

(b) the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence Act) 2007 of New South Wales;

(c) the Personal Violence Restraining Orders Act 2016 of the Northern Territory;

(d) the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 of Queensland;

(e) the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009 of South Australia;

(f) the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 of Victoria;

(g) the Restraining Orders Act 1997 of Western Australia.

8.   Prescribed prohibited pistols

For the purposes of the definition of prohibited pistol in section 3 of the Act, each of the following pistols is prescribed as a prohibited pistol:

(a) a pistol that has a calibre exceeding .38 inches;

(b) a semi-automatic pistol that has a barrel length of less than 120 millimetres;

(c) a revolver that has a barrel length of less than 100 millimetres;

(d) a single-shot pistol that has a barrel length of less than 100 millimetres;

(e) a pistol that has a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.

9.   Prescribed ammunition

(1)  In this regulation –

seal control cap means a projectile that –

(a) has a percussion cap; and

(b) is loaded with powder; and

(c) is designed to ignite and burst apart upon impact.

(2)  For the purposes of the definition of ammunition in section 3 of the Act, a seal control cap is a prescribed article.

PART 2 - Storage and Safety Requirements

10.   Storage of firearms and firearm parts by licence holders

(1)  The holder of a firearms licence must ensure that a firearm, or firearm part, that is not being used, maintained or conveyed, is stored in accordance with the prescribed requirements.

(2)  For the purposes of section 85 of the Act, the prescribed requirements in respect of storage of a firearm, or firearm part, is storage in a receptacle that –

(a) is locked; and

(b) is not easily penetrable; and

(c) is –

(i) made of concrete; or

(ii) in the case of the storage of a firearm that is possessed or used under the authority of a Category A or Category B firearms licence, or any firearm part for such a firearm, made of metal that is at least 2mm thick; or

(iii) in the case of the storage of a firearm that is possessed or used under the authority of a Category C, Category D or Category H firearms licence, or any firearm part for such a firearm, made of metal that is at least 3mm thick; and

(d) has an internal locking mechanism; and

(e) has –

(i) an internal hinging mechanism; or

(ii) a mechanism that would prevent the door of the receptacle from opening when the door is locked and the hinges are removed; and

(f) in the case of a receptacle that weighs less than 150kg when empty, is affixed –

(i) in a manner that prevents easy removal; and

(ii) by means of internal masonry-fixing bolts or coach screws; and

(iii) by one of the following methods:

(A) at 2 points to a wall and at 2 points to the floor;

(B) at 4 points to a wall;

(C) at 4 points to the floor.

11.   Storage of ammunition by licence holders

(1)  The holder of a firearms licence must ensure that ammunition that is not being used or conveyed is stored in accordance with the prescribed requirements.

(2)  For the purposes of section 85 of the Act, the prescribed requirement in respect of storage of ammunition is storage in a receptacle that –

(a) is locked; and

(b) is separate from, or comprises a separate compartment of, any receptacle in which a firearm is stored; and

(c) cannot be opened by the same key as a receptacle in which a firearm is stored.

12.   Additional storage requirements for 10 or more firearms and Category H firearms

(1)  In this regulation –

on-site storage instrument includes a hard disc drive.

(2)  This regulation applies to the following:

(a) a firearm possessed or used under the authority of a Category H firearm licence;

(b) 10 or more firearms of any category of firearm licence.

(3)  For the purposes of section 85 of the Act, if a firearm to which this regulation applies is stored in one or more receptacles at a premises, the premises must be equipped with an electronic security device.

(4)  For the purposes of subregulation (3) , an electronic security device must –

(a) be designed to prevent, detect or deter unauthorised entry to the premises or any of the receptacles; and

(b) be capable of detecting any such entry; and

(c) be maintained in proper working order; and

(d) be an alarm or a visual recording device; and

(e) if the device –

(i) is an alarm, be audible or monitored at all times; or

(ii) is a visual recording device –

(A) record activity in the vicinity of the receptacles to a separate storage device; and

(B) provide images of a sufficient quality to potentially identify people recorded.

(5)  If the electronic security device is a device of the kind referred to in subregulation (4)(e)(ii) that records activity to an on-site storage instrument, the storage instrument must not be in the immediate vicinity of a receptacle recorded by the electronic security device.

13.   Safety requirements for conveying prohibited firearms

For the purposes of section 104(1) of the Act, the following are safety requirements for conveying a prohibited firearm:

(a) the firearm must be in the unloaded condition, with any detachable magazine detached from the firearm;

(b) if reasonably possible, the bolt or breech block must be removed from the firearm;

(c) a trigger lock must be fitted to the firearm, if possible;

(d) if the firearm is not a pistol, the firearm must be conveyed in a locked receptacle that –

(i) is either –

(A) of solid construction; or

(B) made of timber that is at least 10 millimetres thick; and

(ii) is fitted with a metal lock; and

(iii) does not contain ammunition;

(e) a magazine must not contain ammunition;

(f) if the firearm is a pistol, the firearm must be –

(i) contained in a locked receptacle; and

(ii) secured in the most secure area of a vehicle.

14.   Safety requirements for conveying other firearms

For the purposes of section 104(1) of the Act, the following are the prescribed safety requirements for conveying a firearm that is not a prohibited firearm:

(a) the firearm must be in the unloaded condition;

(b) ammunition must be –

(i) in a closed container; and

(ii) kept separate from the firearm;

(c) a magazine must not contain ammunition;

(d) at least one of the following requirements must be met:

(i) the firearm must be in a locked receptacle;

(ii) the bolt of the firearm must be in a closed container, separate from the firearm;

(iii) the firearm must be fitted with a mechanism that locks or disables the trigger or action and prevents the firearm from being used.

15.   Prescribed manner for rendering certain firearms incapable of being fired

(1)  For the purposes of sections 47(1)(b) and (2) of the Act, the prescribed manner in which a firearm, of a kind specified in those sections that is not a shotgun, must be rendered permanently incapable of being fired is as follows:

(a) a bore-diameter mild steel rod is to be inserted into the barrel of the firearm, extending for the full length of the barrel;

(b) the mild steel rod is to be fully welded to –

(i) the muzzle and finished flush; and

(ii) the chamber of the firearm, if applicable;

(c) the barrel is to be welded to the receiver to prevent its removal;

(d) the firing pin of the firearm is to be removed and the firing pin hole welded closed;

(e) all internal springs or components that can be removed from the firearm without detracting from its external appearance are to be so removed;

(f) the trigger of the firearm is to be welded in a fixed position to prevent its function;

(g) weld is to be applied to the internal components of the firearm to prevent its function, if possible;

(h) each bolt, if any, is to be welded in a fixed position;

(i) each external hammer, if any, is to be welded in a fixed fired position to prevent its function;

(j) the action of the firearm is to be welded in a closed position to prevent its function;

(k) if the firearm has a bolt action, weld is to be applied to the bolt guiderail to prevent removal of the bolt;

(l) if the firearm has a nipple, the nipple is to be blocked with weld;

(m) if the firearm is an heirloom firearm that is a semi-automatic pistol, the firearm is to have the slide of the pistol welded to the frame on both sides to prevent its removal;

(n) if the firearm is a pistol with a revolving cylinder, the firearm is to have a mild steel rod extending from the muzzle to a chamber of the cylinder and the cylinder is to be welded to the frame.

(2)  For the purposes of sections 47(1)(b) and (2) of the Act, the prescribed manner in which a firearm, of a kind specified in those sections that is a shotgun, must be rendered permanently incapable of being fired is as follows:

(a) a bore diameter mild steel rod is to be inserted into the barrel of the firearm for a distance of 5 centimetres;

(b) the mild steel rod is to be fully welded flush to the muzzle;

(c) a 5 centimetre-long mild steel plug is to be inserted into the chamber and fully welded flush;

(d) the barrel is to be welded to the receiver to prevent its removal;

(e) if the firearm has a nipple, the nipple is to be blocked with weld.

(3)  A weld that is made for the purposes of this regulation is to be –

(a) substantial; and

(b) if practicable, not a spot weld; and

(c) effected by gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, manual arc electrode or gas fusion with steel wire.

(4)  If a firearm that is required to be welded in accordance with this regulation has –

(a) components of a non-ferrous composition that cannot be welded satisfactorily, the components may be glued and pinned to prevent their function; and

(b) a barrel that is constructed of material suitable for welding, the barrel may be plugged with a mild steel rod and welded by gas brazing or a similar method.

PART 3 - Licences and Permits

16.   Form of licence

For the purposes of section 45(h) of the Act, a licence is to specify the date on which it ceases to be in force.

17.   Period of licence

(1)  For the purposes of section 45(h) of the Act, a Category A, B or H firearms licence may specify that the licence is in force for the period of –

(a) 3 years from the date of its issue; or

(b) 5 years from the date of its issue.

(2)  For the purposes of section 45(h) of the Act, a Category C firearms licence that is granted to a person who is a primary producer may specify that the licence is in force for the period of –

(a) 3 years from the date of its issue; or

(b) 5 years from the date of its issue.

(3)  For the purposes of section 49(b) of the Act, a Category C firearms licence that is granted to a person who is employed or engaged in the business of primary production is in force for the period of 12 months from the date of its issue.

(4)  For the purposes of section 49(b) of the Act, a Category D firearms licence is in force for the period of 12 months from the date of its issue.

(5)  For the purposes of section 49(b) of the Act, a firearms dealer licence is in force for the period of 3 years from the date of its issue.

(6)  For the purposes of section 49(b) of the Act, a firearms museum licence is in force for the period of 3 years from the date of its issue.

(7)  For the purposes of section 49(b) of the Act, a firearm heirlooms licence is in force for the period of 5 years from the date of its issue.

18.   Replacement of licence or permit

(1)  The holder of a licence or permit may apply to the Commissioner for a replacement licence or permit if the licence or permit has been –

(a) stolen, lost or destroyed; or

(b) damaged to a degree that renders it unsuitable for use.

(2)  An application under subregulation (1) must –

(a) be in the approved form; and

(b) state the reason for the application; and

(c) be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

(3)  If the Commissioner grants the application, the Commissioner may issue to the holder a replacement licence or permit.

PART 4 - Miscellaneous

19.   Prescribed event

For the purposes of sections 18(4) and 58A of the Act, each of the following is a prescribed event:

(a) Metallic Silhouette Event;

(b) Western (Single) Action Event.

20.   Prescribed government agency

For the purposes of section 41(b) of the Act, each of the following is a prescribed government agency:

(a) the department responsible for the administration of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 ;

(b) the department responsible for the administration of the Animal Health Act 1995 .

21.   Prescribed particulars to be contained in dealings record

For the purposes of section 89(2)(f) of the Act, if a licensed firearms dealer acts as an agent in a dealing with a firearm or firearm part between licensees, a dealings record is to contain the following particulars regarding that dealing:

(a) the names and addresses of the licensees involved in the dealing;

(b) the numbers of the licences of the licensees or permits authorising the licensees to possess the firearm or firearm part;

(c) the numbers of the permits of the licensees to acquire the firearm;

(d) the date of receipt of the firearm or firearm part by the firearms dealer;

(e) the date of the sale and purchase of the firearm or firearm part;

(f) the make, serial number, calibre, type, action and any magazine capacity of the firearm or firearm part.

22.   Prescribed period of acquisition

For the purposes of section 105(2)(b) of the Act, the prescribed period is 12 months.

23.   Prescribed method of dealing with surrendered firearm

(1)  In this regulation –

permanently surrender, in relation to a firearm, means that a person surrenders the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer and has no intention of reclaiming the firearm from the dealer, or having the dealer sell or buy the firearm, under this regulation.

(2)  For the purposes of section 109(3) of the Act, the prescribed manner in which a licensed firearms dealer to whom a firearm is surrendered must deal with the firearm is as follows:

(a) the dealer must, within 7 days after receiving one or more of the following firearms that has been surrendered by a person, surrender that firearm to a police officer:

(i) a prohibited firearm;

(ii) a firearm that the dealer knows, or reasonably ought to know, has been unlawfully modified;

(iii) a firearm of a category that the dealer is not authorised under the dealer’s licence to deal in;

(iv) any other firearm that has been permanently surrendered by the person;

(v) any other firearm that has been surrendered by the person, if –

(A) the person has not clearly stated to the dealer that the person intends to reclaim the firearm from the dealer once the person is authorised under the Act to be in possession of the firearm; or

(B) the dealer has not agreed to buy the firearm from, or to sell the firearm on behalf of, the person;

(b) if the person who has surrendered the firearm intends to reclaim the firearm once that person is authorised under the Act to be in possession of the firearm, the dealer must take the following actions:

(i) if the firearm is not registered, the dealer must register the firearm within 7 days of receiving the firearm;

(ii) if the firearm has not been reclaimed by the person within the period of 6 months from the date of its surrender to the dealer, the dealer must surrender the firearm to a police officer within 7 days after the expiry of that period;

(iii) if, within the period of 6 months from the date of surrender of the firearm to the dealer, the person who surrendered the firearm informs the dealer of the person’s decision to permanently surrender the firearm, the dealer must surrender the firearm to a police officer within 7 days of being informed of that decision;

(c) if a firearm, to which paragraph (a) does not apply, is surrendered to a dealer, the dealer must register the firearm within 7 days after receiving the firearm if –

(i) the firearm is not registered; and

(ii) the person has surrendered the firearm to the licensed firearms dealer; and

(iii) the person has informed the dealer at the time of surrender that –

(A) the person intends that the dealer buy the firearm from the person and the dealer agrees to do so; or

(B) the person intends that the dealer sell the firearm on behalf of the person and the dealer agrees to do so.

(3)  Nothing in this regulation –

(a) requires a licensed firearms dealer to retain a firearm that is required to be surrendered under section 109(1) of the Act if the person in possession of it is not surrendering it to the dealer; or

(b) requires a licensed firearms dealer to agree to store, sell or buy a firearm that has been surrendered to the dealer under the Act; or

(c) prevents a licensed firearms dealer from recovering a fee from a person for storing a firearm, in accordance with this regulation, that has been surrendered to the dealer by the person.

24.   Fees

(1)  In this regulation –

concession rate, for a fee specified in these regulations, means a rate of 80% of the total amount for the fee;

GST has the same meaning as in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth;

relevant pensioner means a person who –

(a) is in receipt of a pension under the Social Security Act 1991 of the Commonwealth; or

(b) holds a valid pensioner concession card issued under the National Health Act 1953 of the Commonwealth; or

(c) is in receipt of a pension under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth or holds a valid pensioner concession card issued under that Act.

(2)  For the purposes of the Act –

(a) the fees specified in Schedule 1 are –

(i) the fees payable under the Act in respect of the matters to which they relate; and

(ii) GST inclusive.

(3)  For the purposes of section 161(b) of the Act, a relevant pensioner is eligible to pay the concession rate for a fee specified in Schedule 1 .

SCHEDULE 1 - Fees

Regulation 24

PART 1 - Licences

PART 2 - Permits

PART 3 - Registration

PART 4 - Approvals

Displayed and numbered in accordance with the Rules Publication Act 1953.

Notified in the Gazette on 9 September 2026

These regulations are administered in the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the regulation)

(a) for the purposes of the Firearms Act 1996 , provide for –

(i) various matters in respect of firearms and ammunition; and

(ii) storage and safety requirements in respect of firearms and ammunition; and

(iii) the period for which a firearms licence remains in force; and

(iv) fees for various matters under the Act and these regulations; and

(b) are made consequentially on the repeal of the Firearms Regulations 2016 under section 11 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1992 .