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Regulation of Firearms

The Firearms Act 1996 forms the basis of Victoria's firearms controls. Under the Act:

• persons wanting access to firearms must obtain a firearms licence from Victoria Police
• firearms licences can only be issued for a set of commonly accepted reasons (such as for target shooting, hunting, primary production or other occupational reasons)
• persons with firearms licences must observe strict licence conditions, including safe storage standards
• certain types of person are classed as 'prohibited persons' who cannot have access to firearms
• all firearms must be registered with Victoria Police
• strict controls apply to all acquisitions and disposals of firearms
• tough penalties apply to persons who commit firearms offences.

These features of Victoria's firearms laws reflect the requirements of National Firearms Agreements, agreed to by the Commonwealth and all states and territories in the wake of the Port Arthur and Monash University shooting tragedies.

The Victorian Firearms Consultative Committee

The Victorian Firearms Consultative Committee was formed in July 2005. The Committee consists of representatives of organisations interested in the regulation of firearms in Victoria.

The role of the Committee is to consider issues and share knowledge relating to the regulation of firearms in Victoria. The Committee provides additional policy advice to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services, who is responsible for the administration of the Firearms Act 1996.