In brief:

• The ACT Government has introduced two Bills to strengthen gun laws in the ACT.
• The Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 will address firearms ownership and classification.
• It will also address the making of illegal weapons with 3D printing technology.
• The Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill 2026 introduces a new scheme to prohibit high-risk individuals from using firearms.

The ACT Government has sought to implement tougher gun laws to strengthen community safety.

The Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026  was introduced to the Legislative Assembly early in February.

The Bill includes law changes to:

• limit how many firearms a person can own
• tighten controls around how firearms are classified
• criminalise the possession of blueprints that can be used to create 3D-printed firearms.

Clear limits on gun ownership

The Bill includes a limit of five firearms for licence-holders.

There are clear exemptions that allow up to 10 firearms for genuine occupational or sporting purposes.

This will address identified risks in uncapped firearm ownership.

Recategorising firearms in the ACT

The reforms will also tighten the types of firearms allowed in the ACT.

They will recategorise several types of firearms – for example, there will be new limits on magazine capacity and rapid-fire weapons.

Addressing 3D printing technology

The Bill also further tackles the rise of illegal weapons made using 3D printing technology.

Possessing a digital blueprint that could be used to produce firearms or firearm parts will be made a crime. This new offence responds to our changing technological landscape and will protect our community now and into the future.

The Government has made these changes a priority following the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in December 2025.

The reforms align with National Cabinet’s decision to work to strengthen firearm laws across the nation.

These changes to the ACT’s gun laws will be subject to debate in the Legislative Assembly before they become law.

Further information for gun owners will be provided to them before any new limits on number or types of firearms come into effect.

A Firearm Prohibition Order scheme

A Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) scheme targets high-risk individuals whose access to firearms pose a serious threat to public safety.

The Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Order) Amendment Bill establishes an FPO scheme in the ACT. An FPO is a court order that prohibits high-risk individuals from acquiring, possessing or using firearms or firearm-related items. It also gives police expanded search powers to determine compliance with the order.

The scheme will not affect Canberrans who lawfully own and use firearms.

Learn more about amendments to the firearms legislation in the ACT.

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