Victoria’s new firearms regulations come into effect today following significant consultation with the firearm community, industry stakeholders, the public and Victoria Police.

Minister for Police Lisa Neville today confirmed there would be no increases in licensing fees under the Firearms Regulations 2018, which maintain the same fee structure as the 2008 regulations.

The new regulations also introduce small amendments to improve the operation of the regulations, including:

Requiring a permit for the use or possession of a handgun chassis kit, which can alter the operation of the hand gun, while also giving it the appearance of a higher-powered weapon like a submachine gun,

Making line throwers and dog training devices exempt devices, and

Adding Field and Game Australia to the list of bodies who can nominate members to the Firearms Appeal Committee.

A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) was released for public comment in December 2017. The RIS primarily focused on fees for firearms licences, permits and approvals, as well as other aspects of firearm licensing.

The legitimate firearms community constructively engaged with the consultation process. After reviewing the feedback, the Andrews Labor Government decided to maintain the existing fee structure.

Importantly, the new Regulations contain no new fees for the activities of historical re-enactment groups. We value the efforts of the historical re-enactment groups who voluntarily give their time to support commemorative ceremonies and community events across Victoria.

Firearms in Victoria are regulated in Victoria by the Firearms Act 1996. The Firearms Regulations 2008, which are made under the Act, deal with some aspects of the use of and trade in firearms. They also set fees for licences, permits and approvals relating to firearms.

We will continue to support legitimate firearm owners in Victoria through a strong regulatory system that protects the interests of responsible firearm owners, while continuing to crack down on organised criminals and serious offenders who seek to use firearms illegally to cause harm in our community.

Our new laws targeting the illegal use of firearms, including Firearm Prohibition Orders, are already having an impact and getting illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville

“The regulations provide an appropriate and fair fee structure for firearm owners and users, while making improvements that will strengthen the operation of the Act and support a safer community.”

“I’d like to thank the firearms community and the Victorian public for their contribution to the new regulations.”