The Western Australian Government has recently amended the Weapons Regulations 1999 to prohibit the possession of crossbows. The changes below come into effect on 1 July 2011.

There are however, limited circumstances where crossbows can be possessed - once approval is granted, including:

• Exempt collectors - You will require a notice in writing from the Minister for Police for this purpose.
• Exempt Arbalest - You will require a notice in writing from the Minister for Police for this purpose.
• Dramatic productions - if you are the producer of a dramatic production and require the temporary use of a crossbow, you will require an exemption from the Commissioner of Police.  

All persons who do not have approval as per the above three categories are prohibited from possessing a crossbow and must surrender it to a police station or dispose of it through lawful means.

For information on how to apply for approvals, please click here.

To read the Police Minister’s media release, please click here.