12.11.2009

Prohibition of Forward Venting Blank Firing Firearms (Amnesty)

The free availability of blank firing firearms within the community was identified by Western Australia (WA) Police as a public-safety issue, due to factors associated with their possession by people who were generally found under circumstances that presented dangers to themselves, police officers and members of the community.

Of particular concern were the design types that used 8mm blank cartridges, to replicate both revolver and self-loading pistol firearms, and vented the expended gases through the barrel to the muzzle (i.e. forward venting). These firearms presented as being of reasonably high quality and realistic in their appearance and operation. Modified examples suggested these firearms were capable of discharging a shot, bullet or missile, thus bringing them within the definition of a firearm under the Firearms Act 1973 – Section 4.

These concerns resulted in amendments to the Firearms Regulations 1974 under Regulation 26 – Table of prohibited firearms and ammunition and resulted in “forward venting” blank firing firearms being defined as prohibited firearms.

The amendments came into effect on 12 November 2009. Refer to WA Government Gazette No 201, dated 6 November 2009.

As of 12 November 2009, people found in possession of these firearms are liable to prosecution under the provisions of the Firearms Act for possession of an unlicensed firearm under circumstances of aggravation (higher penalties apply due to the firearm being prescribed as prohibited under the firearms regulations).

As WA Police operates an open amnesty policy regarding unlicensed firearms, these firearms may be handed in at any police station without fear of prosecution, under the following criteria:

   • the firearm has not been used in the commission of an offence;
   • it is not reported as lost or stolen; and
   • the owner can provide an account of how they came into possession of the firearm.

For more information, contact your local police station or Police Licensing Services on 1300 171 011 or police.licensing.services@police.wa.gov.au 

23.10.2009

Changes to firearm licence applications

From 12 November 2009, applications for a firearm licence can only be made at participating Australia Post outlets, providing greater public access with 330 outlets in Western Australia. 

Application forms are now available online via the WA Police website. WA Police will still assess and issue firearm licences to applicants.

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