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12 Feb What are the Types of Weapons Licences in QLD?

Posted at 16:35h in Blog by

In QLD, owning a weapon is a significant responsibility that comes with strict regulations and licensing requirements. The State’s approach to firearm ownership is designed to ensure public safety while allowing individuals the opportunity to engage in legitimate sporting, recreational, and occupational activities. Let’s explore the different types of weapons licences available in QLD, the processes involved in obtaining them, and the specific regulations that gun owners must adhere to.

Types of Weapons Licences

Queensland classifies weapons licences into several categories based on the type of weapon and its intended use. The primary types of licences include:

  1. Firearms Licence: This is the most basic licence and permits the ownership of low-risk firearms such as air rifles, rimfire rifles, and shotguns. To obtain this licence, applicants must complete a firearms safety course and demonstrate a genuine reason for ownership, such as hunting or sport shooting.
  2. Firearms Instructor Licence: This licence allows the possession and use any categories of firearms and weapons required to deliver approved safety course training. To obtain this licence, applicants must complete a firearms safety course, and provide a letter of authority from a registered training organisation, a supporting letter outlining the applicant’s practical experience in the handling and use of weapons, and a list of qualifications in relation to the development, presentation, and evaluation of modules and assessments of participants.
  3. Concealable Firearms Licence: This licence is for handguns and is governed by strict requirements. Only individuals involved in target shooting at approved ranges or those in occupational roles such as security personnel can apply. The process is thorough, ensuring that only responsible users acquire handguns.
  4. Minor’s Licence: This licence can only be issued to someone between the ages of 11 and 17 years old and allows the licensee to possess and use rifles, shotguns, and some pistols. Genuine reasons for a minor’s licence include sports or target shooting, primary production or rural employee on rural land.
  5. Miscellaneous Weapons Licence: This licence is for weapons such as crossbows, some knives and martial arts weapons, and body armour. Genuine reasons for a miscellaneous weapons licence include sports or target and recreational shooting or historical, military reenactments and martial arts.
  6. Blank-Fire Firearms Licence: This licence allows the possession and use of blank-fire firearms for two purposes only; to start sporting events, or for use in theatrical productions. A blank-fire firearms licence can be issued to a theatrical organisation, or an athletic or other sporting organisation. The applicant must obtain a safety course certificate and provide a supporting letter from the employer or business.
  7. Security Licence: This licence is for a security guard, who is classified as a person who patrols, protects, watches over or protects their own or someone else’s property, as part of their own business or as an employee of a security organisation. Applicants must obtain a statement of attainment issued within the last 12 months from a registered training organisation and proof of occupation including a security provider licence.
  8. Collector’s Licence: This licence allows individuals to collect firearms and weapons which are made temporarily or permanently inoperable or retain a single weapon which has been handed down as part of a will. The weapon must also be made permanently inoperable.
  9. Visitor’s Licence: This licence allows an individual to use a weapon while they are in QLD as a visitor. If the individual is visiting from another Australian state or territory, and has an interstate licence, it is mutually recognised, and the individual does not need a visitor’s licence in the following circumstances:
    • The individual is licenced for the same purpose on their interstate licence;
    • The individual is competing in a shooting competition, including training for a competition and receiving training in the use of a crossbow;
    • The individual is hunting on rural land only with the express consent of the owner; or
    • The individual has an occupational requirement to shoot on rural land for a rural purpose.

For all other reasons, an individual must obtain a visitor’s licence. If the individual is from another country, they must obtain a visitor’s licence and a special permit from the Australian Police. The international applicant must also be entitled by law to possess and use a weapon in their home country.

The Application Process

Securing a weapons licence in QLD involves several steps that ensure safety and accountability. Here are the key components of the application process:

  • Training and Safety Course: Prospective licensees must complete a firearms safety training course relevant to the type of licence they are seeking. This education is crucial as it equips individuals with the knowledge required to handle firearms safely and responsibly.
  • Demonstrating a Genuine Need: In addition to completing safety training, applicants must provide a legitimate reason for wanting a firearm, whether it be for sport, recreation, or work-related purposes. This requirement helps to ensure that firearms are not being acquired for inappropriate reasons.
  • Background Checks: Applicants undergo comprehensive background checks, which include criminal history and suitability assessments. This process helps to safeguard the community by filtering out individuals who may pose a risk.
  • Waiting Period: Following the application submission, there is typically a waiting period during which the application is assessed. This timeframe varies but is crucial for additional checks to be conducted.

Responsibilities of Licence Holders

Once a weapons licence is granted, the responsibilities of the licence holder become paramount. QLD law mandates several obligations that all gun owners must follow:

  1. Safe Storage: Firearm owners are required to store their weapons securely, using approved safes or devices to prevent unauthorised access. This includes specific recommendations about the construction and installation of storage facilities based on the category of weapon owned.
  2. Maintaining Records: Licence holders must keep detailed records of their firearms, including their condition, location, and any alterations made. This practice facilitates accountability and can aid law enforcement if necessary.
  3. Adhering to Club Regulations: If a licence holder participates in shooting or hunting clubs, they must adhere to regulations and code of conduct outlined by the respective organisation. Many clubs have additional safety and training requirements for their members.
  4. Renewals and Regulations: Weapons licences in Queensland are not indefinite. Licences must be renewed periodically, and owners must remain compliant with ongoing regulations, including participating in refresher training courses.

Navigating the world of weapons licences in QLD is a blend of understanding rigorous regulations and embracing responsible ownership. Each type of licence serves a unique purpose and requires a commitment to safety and legality. Whether you’re a casual sport shooter or a professional in need of specialised equipment, it’s essential to follow the outlined protocols to ensure that firearms are handled responsibly and safely. In doing so, we contribute to the safety of our communities while enjoying the rights and freedoms that come with responsible gun ownership.

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