Storage Requirements For Firearms / Weapons (2007)

Under the requirements and resolutions determined at the 45th Australian Police Ministers' Council Meeting (2003), all firearms / weapons MUST be placed under secure storage as specified below.

All Firearms must be kept UNLOADED other than when being used to shoot, except where the firearms is being used under a security licence (guard), whilst the firearm is loaded for the purpose of repairs or the firearm is being used by a person doing an approved course of instruction under the supervision of a person holding a firearms licence (instructor).

Secure storage facility firearms must be stored unloaded in a locked container with the bolt removed.

For Category D, H or R firearms, the container must be a rigid structure made of solid steel and be bolted to the frame or floor of a permanent building.

For Category A, B, C or M firearms, the container must be a rigid structure made of solid steel or timber and if it weighs less than 150 kg, be securely fixed to the frame or floor to a permanent building. The container must also have a sturdy combination lock, keyed lock or keyed padlock and always be kept locked when the firearm is not in use.

Licence holders who possess more than a total of 30 Category A, B, C or D weapons or 30 Category H weapons are required to have a higher standard of storage as per collector requirements.

Collectors weapons must be stored unloaded in a locked container or locked gun rack, in a locked storeroom as specified in the regulations. Alternatively, the weapons may be stored in a locked vault.

Businesses including dealers, armourers, theatrical ordinance and security organisations also require a higher standard of storage. (Refer to the sections of the Weapons Act 1990 and Weapons Regulation 1996 for specific storage measures relevant to the class of licence).