The ACT government will introduce a five-firearm limit for gun owners in Canberra this week, as part of a broader package of licensing and storage reforms. The changes are framed as a response to safety concerns raised after a high‑profile security incident in Bondi, with officials signaling the aim is to curb risks from multiple firearms in private ownership.
Officials say the proposed laws would cap the number of firearms a licensed holder may possess and would also refine checks and procedures around who can own and store firearms in the ACT. The plan is described as a targeted reform rather than an across‑the‑board tightening of every requirement, but it is expected to affect many sport shooters, collectors and some professional users.
Details on exemptions, transitional arrangements, and penalties have not been released, and government briefings have indicated further information will be released in coming days as the bill is drafted and considered by parliament. The ACT government emphasises the package would be implemented with safeguards intended to prevent unintended disarmament of responsible owners while strengthening overall community safety.
What we know
- A five-firearm limit for licence holders is proposed, setting a cap on the number of privately owned firearms in a single household.
- The reform targets gun ownership within the ACT, with licensing rules created to accompany any cap.
- Legislation is expected to be introduced this week, with parliamentary scrutiny to follow.
- Specific exemptions and eligibility rules are not yet published, leaving details to be clarified in the bill.
- Storage, handling and licensing checks are component parts of the broader reform package, though exact requirements are not finalised.
As Canberra prepares to debate the proposal, many stakeholders are watching for how the changes would operate in practice, including clubs, professional shooters and collectors who must balance safety with personal or vocational needs.
What we don’t know
- Whether exemptions will cover sporting clubs, collectors, or other special categories, and how they would be defined.
- How existing firearm owners would be affected or whether surpluses must be surrendered or entitlements adjusted.
- The exact timetable for enactment and compliance once the bill passes
- Penalties, enforcement methods and compliance costs for those who fall outside the rules
- How ACT rules align with broader national reforms and any potential harmonisation with interstate policies
With the legislation still in development, the public and stakeholders should expect more detailed policy papers and parliamentary briefings in the coming days. Our team will continue to analyse the text and publish updates as the bill progresses through the ACT Parliament.
