Given the rapidly changing landscape in Australia with the COVID-19 Pandemic and lock-down measures impacting our industry, we believed it prudent to provide our readers with a centralised source of information on how this is affecting things State by State. We will update this page as the situation unfolds.
New South Wales
Numerous ranges have closed throughout NSW, however some appear to remain open.
NSW FAR have now partly waived participation requirements for Category AB and pistol shooters.
Gunshops remain open inline with other retail outlets, however stores are advised as per Federal government guidelines to adhere to ‘social distancing’ principles.
Victoria
Numerous ranges have closed throughout Victoria, however some appear to remain open.
Vic LRD at this point have not yet waived participation requirements for pistol shooters. However they have confirmed that this is under discussion at senior levels within LRD. Gunshops have now been closed to the general shooting public, there are limited exemptions. This has come on the back of misinformation from the Victorian Government on why this was needed. Gunshops are now open again.
Queensland
Numerous ranges have closed throughout Queensland, however some appear to remain open. However our understanding is that WLB have advised shooting ranges that they should close, and we expect total closure to take place shortly.
QLD WLB at this point have partially reduced the participation requirements for the year. This has been done on a pro-rata basis, whilst this method is specified by the regulations, given the exceptional circumstances at play in this situation we believe the requirements should be waived in their entirety .
Queensland has closed gunstores to all shooters, than as industry pressure has come to bear, partially reopened them. At this point occupational shooters and those undertaking pest control on private property are now able to access firearms and ammunition with proof of an applicable exemption to the closure. Those with club only licenses i.e only an SC1 condition, club concealable firearms license or collectors, are now unable to purchase firearms and ammunition.
Gunshops are now open again.
Qld WLB are no longer answering their phones and have advised of increased processing times, they appear to have a higher than usual workload. We suspect many new PTA’s have been lodged as shooters purchase firearms before the impending currency based price hike.
South Australia
For South Australia we have seen the complete temporary closure of all shooting ranges & clubs.
Furthermore South Australian Police have waived the participation requirements for pistol shooters with anniversaries falling between the 1st of March and 30th of September.
Gunshops remain open inline with other retail outlets, however stores are advised as per Federal government guidelines to adhere to ‘social distancing’ principles.
SAPOL have now waived the club attendance requirements for Collectors who have licenses with anniversaries falling between the 1st of March and 30th of September.
Tasmania
Some ranges have closed throughout Tasmania, however others appear to remain open. Under Federal Government rules any indoor sporting venues must be closed, so whilst some ranges with outdoor facilities may remain open the use of club houses would seem to be against the rules.
Gunshops remain open inline with other retail outlets, however stores are advised as per Federal government guidelines to adhere to ‘social distancing’ principles.
Tasmanian Firearm Services’ have not yet waived the mandatory shoot requirements for pistol shooters. However they have stated it is under consideration between a pro-rate reduction or a total removal.
Northern Territory
Gunshops remain open inline with other retail outlets, however stores are advised as per Federal government guidelines to adhere to ‘social distancing’ principles.
Northern Territory police have agreed not to take any action against any pistol shooters who cannot meet their mandatory shoot requirements for the year.
Australian Capital Territory
Several ranges have closed throughout ACT, however some members only clubs appear to remain open. However we suspect they will close in due course.
Gunshops remain open inline with other retail outlets, however stores are advised as per Federal government guidelines to adhere to ‘social distancing’ principles.
ACT Police have not yet waived the participation requirements for pistol shooters, nor have they made any communication about considering it.
Western Australia
West Australian Police have not currently conceded any waiver or dispensation for mandatory shoots for pistol shooters. Instead they have counter-productively insisted that clubs conduct ‘make up’ shoots later in the year.
All shooting ranges and clubs are closed in WA.
Uniquely at this stage, WA has decided to close all gunshops throughout the State, leaving our occupational shooters and recreational hunters in an unsupported state. There are limited exemptions for primary producer.
Gunshops are now open again.
“…NSW FAR at this point have not yet waived participation requirements for Category AB and pistol shooters…” . Well yes of course, because NSW FAR (like much of NSW Govt ) are totally incapable of exercising any latitude or common sense when it comes to firearms and firearm owners… but of course the government can at the same time pass legislation at the blink of an eye to release prisoners out into society in order to protect hose poor locked from the Coronavirus …