Victoria Police acknowledges that the majority of firearm licence holders and firearm users respect and value safety when it comes to the use of firearms. We also know that mistakes are made and accidents can happen. The personal consequences of not taking firearm safety and storage seriously may lead to having a firearm stolen; and it may mean the loss of your licence and firearms, criminal charges and could potentially affect your livelihood. The manner in which you conduct yourself in your personal life can also impact on your eligibility to hold a firearm licence and remain in possession of firearms. Just like when you are driving a car, you should not intentionally take risks and failing to observe basic safety measures may lead to serious and ongoing consequences. Handling firearms is no different. Hunting and farming are often family occupations/activities and it is expected that firearm users will emphasise and role model positive safety behaviours when it comes to storing, using and working with firearms. Children look to adults for guidance in all behaviours and Victoria Police believes that firearm owners and users have a strong role to play to educate future generations in safe, responsible firearm ownership.

 

 

Victoria Police hope that families and friends will monitor the mental and physical health of firearm owners. Where issues are identified, a common recommendation is for a licence holder’s firearms to be moved to a storage address other than their residential address to mitigate risks. Unless the concern represents an imminent threat to a licence holder’s personal safety or the safety of others, any person wanting to report concerns regarding the mental health of a licence holder can do so by contacting the Licensing and Regulation Division. Urgent concerns should always be made to local police or 000 (triple zero).

 

 

The Licensing and Regulation Division of Victoria Police is responsible for firearm licensing and regulation for both recreational and occupational firearm use. If you need to advise of any changes to storage or home address, you must notify the division in writing within 14 days of any change. Victoria Police regularly conducts storage inspections for all types of licence holders and can provide advice regarding responsible firearm storage.

 

Where firearms are to be transferred to new owners or from a deceased estate, you can contact Victoria Police for advice or engage with a licensed firearm dealer. Executors for deceased estates need to prioritise and manage the transfer of ownership or safe disposal for firearms in the estate within 6 months of the death of the owner. If firearms are being stored in an empty house, it is recommended that they be relocated and stored in an occupied residence.

 

If you have any questions about licensing or firearm safety you can contact the division via email licensingregulation@police.vic.gov.au or on 1300 651 645.

 

 

Did you know?

 

Many people believe that it is okay to ‘have a go’ at shooting if they are supervised by a licensed person. This is a myth. Schedule 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 only allows for a non-prohibited person to receive shooting instruction under immediate supervision at an approved shooting range. This exemption does not apply to children under 12 years of age. Children between the ages of 12 and 18 may only receive instruction at an approved range under immediate supervision and with written permission from a parent or guardian.