Weapons law and legislation

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Find the answers to specific questions about the law and weapons, such as 'Can I use another person's firearm while shooting?' and 'Can I carry a knife for work purposes?'

Questions about the law and weapons

Weapons Act 1990

In Australia, we have laws to prevent the misuse of weapons. The Weapons Act 1990 reflects many of the resolutions made at the Australasian Police Ministers’ Council in 1996, following the Port Arthur tragedy. It contains legislation that controls the access, possession, storage and usage of weapons.

The Weapons Act 1990 mandates a weapons licensing scheme which includes a range of licence types and weapons categories. An authorised police officer can issue a person with one or more licence types. Each licence may allow the use of one or more categories of weapons. Conditions apply to each licence under the regulations, and the authorised officer can impose further conditions on the licence.

Two regulations accompany the Weapons Act 1990:

• The Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 outlines the type of weapons that fall under each category.
• The Weapons Regulation 2016 provides controls on eligibility for certain licences and outlines the conditions under which licences of certain types will be issued.

Legislation about weapons safety courses

In May 1996, the Australasian Police Ministers’ Council agreed that uniform, national firearms laws and training was needed. All first time licence applicants would need to complete an accredited course in firearms safety training focused on firearms law, firearms safety and firearms competency.

About Weapons Licensing

Weapons Licensing is a business unit within Operations Support Command of the Queensland Police Service (QPS). Weapons Licensing administers all aspects of the Weapons Act 1990, Weapons Regulations 2016 and Weapons Categories Regulations 1997. This includes the issue and renewal of all licences, permits and exemptions, and maintaining the Commissioner’s firearms register.

Weapons Licensing is responsible for:

• Providing licensing and permit services to the public
• Regulating businesses involved in the use of firearms
• Providing support, training and advice to the QPS and external clients on weapon control matters
• Coordinating the QPS firearm security inspection and audit program. This involves police to inspecting licence holders’ safe storage facilities.

Weapons Licensing is made up of police officers and administrators, specialising in different areas.