Strengthening gun laws
Amendments to firearms legislation that aim to strengthen gun laws in the ACT.
The Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 proposes to amend the Firearms Act 1996 - the bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on 4 February 2026.
The Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill 2026 proposes to establish a Firearms Prohibition Order scheme in the Firearms Act 1996 - the bill was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on 24 February 2026.
About the reform
Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026
The amendments aim to strengthen gun laws in the ACT to improve public safety and align with National Cabinet’s decision to work to strengthen firearm laws across the nation.
The proposed amendments will amend the Firearms Act 1996 to:
- Limit the number of firearms someone can possess and use
- Recategorise the types of firearms someone can be possess and use
- Prohibit belt-fed firearms
- Make it an offence to possess a digital blueprint to make a firearm using technology such as 3D printing.
These changes will be debated in the Legislative Assembly before they become law.
Gun owners will get more information before any new limits on number or types of firearms come into effect.
A licensee may possess or use up to 5 firearms, unless certain exceptions apply.
Licensees will be permitted to possess and use up to 10 firearms if they have a genuine reason such as:
- primary production
- vertebrate pest animal control
- occupational requirements
- sport/target shooting.
It will be clearer which types of firearms are authorised by the different licence categories. There will be new definitions for certain types of firearms.
This is because there have been advances in firearms technology and functionality since the National Firearms Agreement was originally signed.
There will be restrictions on high-risk features including:
- limits on the magazine capacity
- rapid fire mechanisms.
Belt-fed firearms will be a prohibited firearm. This is any type of firearm with a feeding mechanism that supplies cartridges to a firearm by means of a belt, strip or linked carrier.
Belt-fed firearms enable the continuous feeding of ammunition into the weapon without the user reloading. These firearms pose significant risks. By classifying them as a prohibited firearm this will limit their presence in the broader ACT community.
It will be an offence to possess a digital blueprint that can be used to manufacture a firearm or firearm part using technology such as 3D printing. This is to address possession of instructional material that can be used to illicitly manufacture firearms and firearm parts.
This new offence responds to our changing technological landscape and will protect our community now and into the future.
Exceptions are:
- licensed firearms dealers authorised to manufacture firearms and firearms parts, operating within the terms of their licence or other legal authority
- persons engaged in official duties, law enforcement or the administration of justice
- persons engaged in research approved by the Firearms Registrar.
Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill 2026
A Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) scheme targets high-risk individuals whose access to firearms pose a serious threat to public safety.
An FPO is a court order that prohibits a person from:
- acquiring, possessing or using firearms or firearm-related items
- attending premises where such items may be located.
Someone who is under an FPO will:
- have their firearm licences and permits cancelled
- need to surrender their firearms.
Police officers will have stronger search powers to determine if the person has breached the FPO. For a person subject to an FPO, police officers will have new powers to:
- conduct a frisk search of the person
- enter and search the person’s home
- enter and search a vehicle the person owns or is in
- enter and search a storage facility the person owns or leases
- enter other premises to stop the person from hiding, destroying or using a firearm.
An FPO will be in place for a period of 3 years, unless withdrawn earlier.
To issue an FPO, the Magistrates Court must be satisfied that it is in the public interest and reasonable and justifiable in all the circumstances. They will consider factors such as:
- criminal history
- behaviour
- cultural and social needs
- human rights impacts.
The scheme contains safeguards that require police to document the reasons for each search and consider privacy impacts.
Further reforms
The ACT Government will look to introduce further improvements to firearms laws throughout 2026.
Why it’s important
The ACT is committed to ensuring its firearms laws are practical, fit for purpose and address emerging issues.
At a meeting of National Cabinet on 15 December 2025, state and territory leaders with the Prime Minister agreed that strong, decisive and focused action was needed on gun law reform as an immediate action. This includes renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement, first established after the 1996 Port Arthur tragedy, to ensure it remains as robust as possible in today’s changing security environment.
Next steps
The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs undertook an inquiry into both bills and delivered their report in May 2026.
The Committee’s report delivered 11 recommendations. The Government will now consider the report and recommendations before bringing forward a Government Response to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. You can find out more about the inquiry on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.
Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026
The Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly on 4 February 2026.
Amendments commence on a day set by the Minister to align with the National Buyback Scheme. If no date is set, they will start automatically on 1 January 2028.
Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill 2026
The FPO scheme will commence 12 months after the passing of the bill into law.
Related information
Read Firearms information on the ACT Policing website.
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