Queensland’s firearms legislation has once again come under the spotlight with several significant developments unfolding in June 2024. In a state where the balance between public safety and lawful firearm ownership is constantly debated, these changes are both reflective of national trends and uniquely tailored to Queensland’s context. This month saw a combination of new legislative proposals, responses to public inquiries, law enforcement updates, and industry reactions. For firearm owners, sporting shooters, farmers, and advocacy groups, staying informed about these changes is vital to remain compliant and engaged in the broader debate.
The Catalyst Behind the Recent Legislative Shift
The legislative updates in June 2024 are largely a response to ongoing concerns over illegal firearms circulation and a renewed emphasis on tightening the controls around gun ownership and storage. Queensland Police Service (QPS) reports have shown a modest but steady increase in incidents involving unlawfully possessed firearms over the past 18 months, prompting calls for legislative reform.
Contributing to the legislative changes were also findings from a joint federal-state review conducted earlier this year, which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of current firearms regulations across Australia. Queensland, which shares several remote and rural borders, was highlighted in the review for needing improved tracking mechanisms and stricter control over category D and H firearms, particularly those that had been historically exempted under occupational licensing.
Key Changes Proposed in the June 2024 Draft Legislation
One of the most important updates proposed in June 2024 is a mandatory digital record-keeping requirement for all licensed firearms dealers. Under the draft law, gun dealers will be required to upload real-time sales and repair transactions to a centralised database managed by the Queensland Police Weapons Licensing Branch. This shift aims to improve the traceability of firearms from legal sources and prevent diversion to the illicit market.
Additionally, a new 10-year licensing review cycle has been introduced, replacing the previous five-year term for certain license categories. This change is intended to reduce the administrative backlog but also comes with stricter renewal criteria. Applicants must now provide updated medical and psychological assessments, a move that has been welcomed by health and safety advocates but criticised by some rural license holders for being overly burdensome.
Storage regulations have also been revised. The updated legislation proposes that all firearms, regardless of category, must be stored in safes that meet new minimum thickness and anchoring standards. Furthermore, for properties with children under 18, an additional biometric access control feature is now recommended, though not yet mandated.
Tighter Controls on Semi-Automatic Firearms and Ammunition
In response to a national review of semi-automatic firearms, Queensland has proposed limiting access to category D firearms even further. The draft law recommends that primary producers and professional pest controllers submit quarterly usage reports justifying the retention of these higher-risk firearms. This measure is designed to reduce the potential for these weapons to be misused or fall into the wrong hands.
In addition, there are proposed limits on ammunition purchasing. Individuals will be allowed to purchase only 500 rounds per calendar month per firearm type unless special exemption is granted for occupational or sporting use. The proposed cap has already sparked concern among competition shooting groups who argue that this would hinder regular training and participation in sanctioned events.
Reaction from Stakeholders and the Public
The proposed legislation has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. Firearm safety advocacy groups such as Gun Control Australia have applauded the move, calling it a “responsible and modern approach to firearms regulation that prioritises community safety without infringing upon legitimate ownership.”
On the other hand, organisations like the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) and AgForce have raised serious concerns. SSAA Queensland has issued a public statement asserting that the new rules could “unfairly penalise law-abiding citizens and create logistical nightmares for both rural and urban firearm owners.” They have called for a grace period of at least 18 months for the storage and digital compliance elements, arguing that implementation costs will disproportionately affect regional and low-income shooters.
Public consultation sessions have been scheduled throughout July and August 2024 in both metropolitan and regional centres, and early turnout data from Brisbane, Townsville, and Toowoomba indicate a high level of public interest in the changes. Submissions to the Queensland Parliament’s Legal Affairs and Safety Committee are also being accepted until mid-August, with the final draft legislation expected to be tabled by September 2024.
Law Enforcement Perspectives and Community Safety
From a law enforcement perspective, the changes are seen as a necessary evolution in Queensland’s approach to firearm regulation. Acting Commissioner Rebekah Cross of the QPS stated in a press briefing that the new legislation would “enhance our ability to track, trace, and act swiftly on potential breaches of the law while maintaining Queensland’s commitment to lawful firearm ownership.”
QPS has highlighted several recent operations where stolen or modified firearms were recovered from urban and rural properties, many of which had previously been reported as lost due to poor storage practices. The proposed laws, therefore, are viewed as preventative as much as they are reactive.
What Gun Owners Should Do Next
Firearm owners across Queensland are urged to familiarise themselves with the proposed changes and assess their current compliance status, particularly concerning safe storage and ammunition limits. Dealers and sporting clubs should prepare to transition to the new digital systems and may wish to attend the upcoming public consultations to voice their concerns or seek clarification.
Legal experts advise that any owner with concerns about their eligibility under the new psychological assessment requirements consult their general practitioner or seek specialist support well before the renewal deadlines.
Looking Ahead
June 2024 has proven to be a pivotal month for firearm regulation in Queensland. As public discourse continues and the legislation moves closer to finalisation, stakeholders from all sides are encouraged to participate in the democratic process. Whether these changes will achieve the desired balance of safety and freedom remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Queensland is entering a new era in firearms regulation.
As the issue continues to unfold, Queenslanders can expect more updates, clarifications, and perhaps amendments before the new laws are fully implemented. All signs indicate that the government is serious about reform, and active engagement from the firearms community will be crucial in shaping the final outcome.