Increased Penalties for Firearm Offences: Changes to increase penalties for stealing firearms or unlawfully possessing firearms have commenced.

Announcement

The Firearm Amendment Bill 2022 has resulted in changes to the Criminal Code in WA. These changes have brought about increased penalties for Stealing and Unlawful Possession offences related to firearms.

The changes to the Criminal Code are as follows;

  • Section 378 (5)(g) provides that if the thing stolen is a firearm as defined in the Firearms Act 1973, the offender is liable to imprisonment for 14 years.
  • Section 417A (4A) provides special circumstances where possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property namely a thing that is defined in the Firearms Act 1973, the offender is liable to imprisonment for 10 years.

For further details choose Amendments to Recent Legislation in the Frequently Asked Questions section on the Help Centre page

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Persons wishing to possess or use a firearm in Western Australia are governed by the Firearms Act 1973 and the Firearms Regulations 1974.

Licensing Services is responsible for the:

  • Assessment of all applications for 'Original' Firearms Licences and the addition of firearms to existing licences.
  • Renewal of all Firearms Licences.
  • Revocation of a Firearms Licence.
  • Approval of temporary and interstate permits.
  • Management and maintenance of licensing records within the Firearm Registry System.
  • Regulation of commercial organisations involved in the sale, manufacture and repair of firearms and ammunition.
  • Assessment of the importation and exportation of firearms and other weapons.