New South Wales: Firearms Act 1996 (NSW)

Firearms Act 1996 No 46 An Act to provide for the regulation, control and registration of firearms; to repeal the Firearms Act 1989; to amend the Prohibited Weapons Act 1989; and for related purposes. Part 1 Preliminary 1 Name of Act This Act is the Firearms Act 1996. 2 Commencement (1) This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation. (2) Different days may be appointed for the commencement of section 89 for the purpose of repealing different provisions of the Firearms Act 1989, or the Firearms Regulation 1990, on different days. 3 Principles and objects of Act (1) The underlying principles of this Act are— (a) to confirm firearm possession and use as being a privilege that is conditional on the overriding need to ensure public safety, and (b) to improve public safety— (i) by imposing strict controls on the possession and use of firearms, and (ii) by promoting the safe and responsible storage and use of firearms, and (c) to facilitate a national approach to the control of firearms. (2) The objects of this Act are as follows— (a) to prohibit the possession and use of all automatic and self-loading rifles and shotguns except in special circumstances, (b) to establish an integrated licensing and registration scheme for all firearms, (c) to require each person who possesses or uses a firearm under the authority of a licence to prove a genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm, (d) to provide strict requirements that must be satisfied in relation to licensing of firearms and the acquisition and supply of firearms, (e) to ensure that firearms are stored and conveyed in a safe and secure manner, (f) to provide for compensation in respect of, and an amnesty period to enable the surrender of, certain prohibited firearms. 4 Definitions (cf 1989 Act s 3, 1990 Reg cl 3) (1) In this Act— acquire means accept or receive supply of. air gun means a gun that— (a) can propel, or is designed to propel, a projectile— (i) by means of any gas or mixture of gases, including air but not including a gas or mixture of gases generated by an explosive, or (ii) by means of a spring, and (b) is operated or designed for operation by means of a trigger or similar device. ammunition includes— (a) any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and a projectile, or (b) any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and containing a propelling charge and a projectile, or (c) blank cartridges, airgun pellets, training cartridges or gas cartridges, or (d) any other article prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition. apprehended violence order means— (a) a final apprehended violence order under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, or (b) a final order made under Part 15A of the Crimes Act 1900 before its repeal, or (c) an order or decision under an Act or law of a place other than New South Wales, being an order or decision that is prescribed for the purposes of this definition by the regulations. approved means approved by the Commissioner from time to time. approved master licensee means a holder of a master licence under the Security Industry Act 1997 who provides uniformed armed security services and is approved by the Commissioner for the purposes of this definition. barrel length, in relation to a pistol, means— (a) in the case of a revolver—the distance from the muzzle of the barrel to the breech end immediately in front of the cylinder, or (b) in any other case—the distance from the muzzle of the barrel to the point of the breech face (including the chamber) with the top slide forward and the breech face or bolt in a closed position, and in either case includes an alteration of such kind as is approved by the Commissioner and that has been permanently attached to the barrel of the pistol. black powder pistol means a pistol that— (a) uses black powder to propel a projectile, and (b) is not capable of being loaded with, or of discharging, breech-loaded metallic cartridges. blank fire firearm means a device that is designed for firing blank cartridges only, such as a starting pistol. category H (business/employment) licence means a category H licence that is issued for the purposes of business or employment. category H (sport/target shooting) licence means a category H licence that is issued for the purposes of sport/target shooting. close associate—see section 4B. club armourer means a person— (a) who is a member of a shooting club approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations, and (b) who, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is the club armourer for that club. Commissioner means the Commissioner of Police. community correction order has the same meaning as in the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. conditional release order has the same meaning as in the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. exercise a function includes perform a duty. explosive has the same meaning as in the Explosives Act 2003. firearm means a gun, or other weapon, that is (or at any time was) capable of propelling a projectile by means of an explosive, and includes a blank fire firearm, or an air gun, but does not include a paintball marker within the meaning of the Paintball Act 2018 or anything declared by the regulations not to be a firearm. firearm part means a barrel, breech, pistol slide, frame, receiver, cylinder, trigger mechanism, operating mechanism or magazine designed as, or reasonably capable of forming, part of a firearm. firearms dealer means a person who, in the course of carrying on a business or in carrying out the person's duties as a club armourer— (a) manufactures, acquires, supplies, tests, repairs or converts firearms or firearm parts, and (b) possesses firearms or firearm parts for the purpose of doing anything referred to in paragraph (a), and includes a theatrical armourer. firearms prohibition order means an order in force under section 73. function includes a power, authority or duty. genuine reason means a genuine reason as referred to in the Table to section 12. imitation firearm—see section 4D. interim apprehended violence order means— (a) an interim apprehended violence order within the meaning of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, or (b) an order or decision under an Act or law of a place other than New South Wales, being an order or decision that is prescribed for the purposes of this definition by the regulations. licence means a licence in force under this Act. permit means a permit in force under this Act. pistol means a firearm that— (a) is reasonably capable of being raised and fired by one hand, and (b) does not exceed any dimension prescribed by the regulations. possession of a firearm includes any case in which a person knowingly— (a) has custody of the firearm, or (b) has the firearm in the custody of another person, or (c) has the firearm in or on any premises, place, vehicle, vessel or aircraft, whether or not belonging to or occupied by the person. Note. See also section 4A. post-1946 pistol means a pistol manufactured after 1 January 1946. probationary pistol licence means a category H (sport/target shooting) licence of the kind referred to in section 16A. prohibited firearm means a firearm described in Schedule 1. prohibited pistol—see section 4C. provisional pistol (business/employment) licence means a category H (business/employment) licence of the kind referred to in section 16C. Register means the Register of Firearms referred to in section 33. registered means registered for the time being under this Act. supply means transfer ownership of, whether by sale, gift, barter, exchange or otherwise, and includes the following— (a) offer for supply, receive for supply, have in possession for supply or expose or exhibit for supply, (b) conduct negotiations for supply, (c) consign or deliver for supply, (d) cause or allow supply. test a firearm or firearm part includes carry out developmental work or research into the manufacture of a firearm or firearm part. theatrical armourer means a person who carries on a business of providing firearms for the purposes of film, television or theatrical productions. use a firearm means fire the firearm or hold it so as to cause a reasonable belief that it will be fired, whether or not it is capable of being fired. Note. The Interpretation Act 1987 contains definitions and other provisions that affect the interpretation and application of this Act. (2) For the purposes of this Act— (a) anything that would be a firearm if it did not have something missing from it, or a defect or obstruction in it, is taken to be a firearm, and (b) any firearm that would be a prohibited firearm— (i) if it did not have something missing from it, or a defect or obstruction in it, or (ii) if it were not for the fact that something has been added to it, is taken to be a prohibited firearm, and (c) any collection of the component parts of a thing that if assembled would be a firearm or prohibited firearm (or would be a firearm or prohibited firearm if it did not have something missing from it, a defect or obstruction in it or something added to it) is taken to be a firearm or prohibited firearm (as appropriate). (3) For the purposes of this Act— (a) if firearm parts are possessed, or being carried, by 2 or more persons, each of them is taken to be possessing or carrying the firearm, and (b) a person who takes possession of anything under a hire-purchase agreement is taken to have acquired it and the person who possessed it immediately before parting with possession is taken to have supplied it. (4) Notes in the text of this Act (including bracketed matter in the headings to certain provisions) do not form part of the Act. 4A Meaning of "possession" of a firearm—proof of possession (1) Without restricting the meaning of the word possession, for the purposes of any proceedings under this Act, a firearm is taken to be in the possession of a person so long as it is in or on any premises owned, leased or occupied by, or in the care, control or management of, the person, unless the court is satisfied that— (a) the firearm was placed in or on, or brought into or on to, the premises by or on behalf of a person who was lawfully authorised by or under this Act to possess the firearm, or (b) the person did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the firearm was in or on the premises, or (c) on the evidence before it, the person was not in possession of the firearm. (2) In this section, premises means any place, vehicle, vessel or aircraft. 4B Meaning of "close associate" of firearms dealer (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is a close associate of an applicant for, or the holder of, a firearms dealer licence if the person— (a) holds or will hold any relevant financial interest, or is or will be entitled to exercise any relevant power (whether in his or her own right or on behalf of any other person), in the business of the licence applicant or licence holder, and by virtue of that interest or power is or will be able to exercise a significant influence over or with respect to the conduct of that business, or (b) holds or will hold any relevant position, whether in his or her own right or on behalf of any other person, in the business of the licence applicant or licence holder. (2) In this section— relevant financial interest, in relation to a business, means— (a) any interest in the capital or assets of the business, or (b) any entitlement to receive any income derived from the business, whether the entitlement arises at law or in equity or otherwise. relevant position, in relation to a business, means a position whose holder participates in the management of the business (whether in the capacity of a director, manager or secretary or in any other capacity). relevant power means any power, whether exercisable by voting or otherwise and whether exercisable alone or in association with others— (a) to participate in any managerial or executive decision, or (b) to elect or appoint any person to any relevant position. 4C Meaning of "prohibited pistol" (1) In this Act, prohibited pistol means any of the following kinds of pistol— (a) a pistol with a calibre of more than .38 inch, (b) a self-loading pistol with a barrel length of less than 120 mm, (c) a revolver with a barrel length of less than 100 mm, but does not include any such kind of pistol that is a black powder pistol. Note. A prohibited pistol is not a prohibited firearm. Prohibited firearms are listed in Schedule 1 (see definition of prohibited firearm in section 4 (1)). (2) For the purposes of this Act, any pistol that would be a prohibited pistol— (a) if it did not have something missing from it, or a defect or obstruction in it, or (b) if it were not for the fact that something has been done to it (being something that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is not in accordance with the recognised specifications for that pistol), is taken to be a prohibited pistol. 4D Special provisions relating to imitation firearms (1) This Act applies to an imitation firearm in the same way as it applies to a firearm, subject to the following— (a) the Commissioner may not issue a licence authorising the possession or use of an imitation firearm (except to a firearms dealer) but may issue a permit authorising the possession or use of an imitation firearm, (b) an imitation firearm is not required to be registered, (c) the holder of a permit authorising the possession or use of an imitation firearm (a possession or use permit) is not required to be authorised by a permit to acquire an imitation firearm to which the possession or use permit applies. (2) For the purposes of the application (as provided by this section) of this Act to imitation firearms— (a) an imitation firearm that is an imitation of a pistol is taken to be a pistol, and (b) an imitation firearm that is an imitation of a prohibited firearm is taken to be a prohibited firearm. Note. Reference to a pistol includes a prohibited pistol. (See section 4C.) (3) In this section, imitation firearm means an object that, regardless of its colour, weight or composition or the presence or absence of any moveable parts, substantially duplicates in appearance a firearm but that is not a firearm. (4) However, an imitation firearm does not include any such object that is produced and identified as a children's toy. 5 Amendment of Schedule 1 list of prohibited firearms (cf PW Act s 3 (4)) The regulations may amend Schedule 1— (a) by adding the name or description of a firearm, or (b) by amending a name or description of a prohibited firearm for the purpose of more accurately describing the firearm concerned. 6 Application of Act (cf 1989 Act s 4, 1990 Reg cl 96A) (1) This Act binds the Crown in right of New South Wales and, in so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities (except as provided otherwise by this section). (2) A person is not guilty of an offence under this Act or the regulations only because of something done by the person while acting in the ordinary course of the person's duties— (a) as a police officer (or as a student police officer enrolled in the New South Wales Police Academy), or (a1) as a special constable within the meaning of section 82L of the Police Act 1990 who is exercising functions of a police officer, or (b) as a prison officer employed in Corrective Services NSW, Department of Justice, or (c) as a police officer, or as a prison officer, of the Commonwealth, another State or a Territory, or (d) as a member of the armed forces of the Commonwealth, or of any government that is allied or associated with the Commonwealth in any war or joint military exercise in which the Commonwealth is engaged, or (e) (Repealed) (f) as, or under the authority of, the person in charge of a ship or an aircraft, but only for the purpose of having equipment of or on the ship or aircraft repaired or tested by a person authorised to do so by a licence. (3) A person is not guilty of an offence under section 7 or 7A only because of possessing a firearm or firearm part— (a) that is being conveyed or stored in the ordinary course of the person's duties in the business of a carrier or warehouse operator, or (b) that has been seized by the person, under the authority of any Act or other law, in the course of the person's duties as an employee or officer of a government agency or public authority, or (c) while acting in the ordinary course of the person's duties as a member (other than a police officer) of the Police Force. (4) A person who is a member of the Australian Navy Cadets, the Australian Cadet Corps or the Air Training Corps is not required to be the holder of a licence or permit to authorise the person to possess a firearm, but only while possessing it— (a) for the purposes of activities of the Cadets or the Corps of which the person is a member, and (b) in accordance with such guidelines as may be fixed by order of the Commissioner. 6AA Application of Commonwealth National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (1) In this section— Commonwealth Act means the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 of the Commonwealth. State firearms regulation provisions means the provisions of this Act and the regulations— (a) regulating organisations providing training, assessment or instruction in relation to possession or use of firearms, and (b) providing for the approval by or under this Act of training, assessment or instruction provided by organisations, and (c) providing for the exercise of investigative powers, sanctions and enforcement by or under this Act in relation to such matters. (2) The State firearms regulation provisions are declared to be an excluded matter for the purposes of section 10 of the Commonwealth Act in relation to section 9 (Immunity from State and Territory laws) of the Commonwealth Act to the extent only that that section prevents the application of the State firearms regulation provisions to an NVR registered training organisation (within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act) providing training, assessment or instruction in relation to the use and possession of firearms regulated by this Act. (3) This section is taken to have had effect from 1 July 2011. 6A Exemption for certain firearms manufactured before 1900 (1) A person is exempt from any requirement under this Act to hold a licence or permit in respect of the possession of an antique firearm. However, the exemption provided by this subsection does not extend to an antique revolver. Note. A licence or permit will still be required to use any such firearm. (2) An antique firearm is not required to be registered. Accordingly, a person does not commit an offence under section 36 or 37 (2) in relation to an antique firearm. (3) A permit under section 31 to acquire a firearm is not required in the case of an antique firearm. (4) Sections 50, 50AA, 51 and 51A do not apply in relation to the supply or acquisition of an antique firearm or a firearm part for an antique firearm. However, the exemption provided by this subsection does not extend to an antique revolver or a firearm part for an antique revolver. (5) Sections 50 (b) and 51 (1) (b) (ii) and (1A) (b) (ii) do not apply in relation to the supply or acquisition of an antique revolver. (6) The possession of an antique firearm by a person in accordance with an exemption under this section is taken not to be possession for the purposes of section 51D. (7) In this section— antique firearm means any firearm manufactured before 1900 that— (a) in the case of a firearm other than a pistol— (i) is not capable of discharging breech-loaded metallic cartridges, or (ii) is a firearm the ammunition for which is determined by the Commissioner to be ammunition that is not commercially available, or (b) in the case of a pistol—is not capable of discharging breech-loaded metallic cartridges. antique revolver means an antique firearm that is a percussion lock pistol equipped with a revolving cylinder. (8) Any determination by the Commissioner of the ammunition that is not commercially available for the purposes of this section must be published in the Gazette. 6B Exemption for unlicensed persons shooting on approved ranges and for persons undertaking firearms safety training courses (1) A person is exempt from any requirement under this Act to be authorised by a licence or permit to possess or use a firearm (other than a prohibited firearm) if the person possesses or uses the firearm only— (a) at a shooting range approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations and while under the supervision of a person who is authorised by a licence to possess or use a firearm of that kind, or (b) while participating in a firearms safety training course approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations and while under the supervision of a firearms instructor approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations. (1A) The level of supervision that is required for the purposes of this section is direct supervision so that the person supervising supervises one person only. (2) Any such exemption from the requirement to be authorised by a licence or permit to possess or use a firearm is subject to the requirements prescribed by the regulations. (3) This section does not apply in relation to a person who is under the age of 12 years. Part 2 Licences and permits Division 1 Requirement for licence or permit 7 Offence of unauthorised possession or use of pistols or prohibited firearms (cf 1989 Act s 5, APMC 3) (1) A person must not possess or use a pistol or prohibited firearm unless the person is authorised to do so by a licence or permit. Maximum penalty—imprisonment for 14 years. Note. Reference to a pistol includes a prohibited pistol. (2) Without limiting the operation of subsection (1), a person who is the holder of a licence is guilty of an offence under this section if the person— (a) uses a pistol or prohibited firearm for any purpose otherwise than in connection with the purpose established by the person as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the pistol or prohibited firearm, or (b) contravenes any condition of the licence. (3) If, on the trial for an offence under this section, the jury is not satisfied that the accused is guilty of the offence but is satisfied on the evidence that the person is guilty of an offence under section 7A, it may find the person not guilty of the offence but guilty of an offence under section 7A, and the accused is liable to punishment accordingly. 7A Offence of unauthorised possession or use of firearms generally (1) A person must not possess or use a firearm unless the person is authorised to do so by a licence or permit. Maximum penalty—imprisonment for 5 years. (2) Without limiting the operation of subsection (1), a person who is the holder of a licence is guilty of an offence under this section if the person— (a) uses a firearm for any purpose otherwise than in connection with the purpose established by the person as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm, or (b) contravenes any condition of the licence. Division 2 Licensing scheme 8 Licence categories and authority conferred by licence (cf 1989 Act s 21, APMC 1, 3, 4) (1) The categories of licences, the firearms to which they apply, and the authority they confer, are as follows— Category A licence Firearms to which the licence applies: • air rifles • rimfire rifles (other than self-loading) • shotguns (other than pump action, lever action or self-loading) • shotgun/rimfire rifle combinations. All prohibited firearms are excluded from this licence category. Authority conferred by the licence: The licensee is authorised to possess or use a registered firearm of the kind to which the licence applies, but only for the purpose established by the licensee as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm. Category B licence Firearms to which the licence applies: • muzzle-loading firearms (other than pistols) • centre-fire rifles (other than self-loading) • shotgun/centre-fire rifle combinations • lever action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds. All prohibited firearms are excluded from this licence category. Authority conferred by the licence: The licensee is authorised to possess or use a registered firearm of the kind to which the licence applies, but only for the purpose established by the licensee as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm. Category C licence (prohibited except for limited purposes) Firearms to which the licence applies: • self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds • self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds • pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds. Any firearm referred to in item 6, 10 or 11 of Schedule 1 is excluded from this licence category. The regulations may prescribe certain other firearms (whether being of a general class or whether described specifically) that are excluded from this licence category. Authority conferred by the licence: Authorises the licensee (and any employee of the licensee who is eligible to be issued with a licence and who is authorised by the Commissioner in writing, but only while carrying out duties in connection with the licensee's farming or grazing activities) to possess or use— (a) no more than one registered self-loading rimfire rifle with a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds that is specified in the licence, and (b) no more than one registered shotgun to which the licence applies that is specified in the licence, but only for the purpose established by the licensee as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm and only on land used for primary production that is owned or occupied by the licensee or that immediately adjoins that land (provided the licensee has the written permission of the owner or occupier of that adjoining primary production land to possess or use the firearm on that land). However, the number of firearms authorised under this licence category may be increased if a special need for more than one such rifle, or for more than one such shotgun, is established by the licensee to the satisfaction of the Commissioner (for example because of the size of the rural property concerned, or because the licensee is involved with more than one rural property). Category D licence (prohibited except for official purposes) Firearms to which the licence applies: • self-loading centre-fire rifles • self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds • self-loading shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds • pump action shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds • lever action shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds • any firearm to which a category C licence applies. Any firearm referred to in item 5, 6, 9 or 10 of Schedule 1 is excluded from this licence category. The regulations may prescribe certain other firearms (whether being of a general class or whether described specifically) that are excluded from this licence category. Authority conferred by the licence: The licensee is authorised to possess or use a registered firearm to which the licence applies, but only for the purpose established by the licensee as being the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm. However, in the case of a licensee who is a person referred to in paragraph (c) of the genuine reason of vertebrate pest animal control, the authority conferred by the licence is restricted as follows— (a) the licensee is authorised to possess or use no more than 3 registered firearms to which the licence applies, (b) the licensee is authorised to use a firearm to which the licence applies only on the rural property specified in the licence. Category H licence (pistols) Firearms to which the licence applies: • pistols (including blank fire pistols and air pistols). Prohibited firearms are excluded from this licence category. Authority conferred by the licence: The licensee is authorised to possess or use a registered pistol, but only for the purpose established by the licensee as being the genuine reason for having the licence. In the case of a category H (sport/target shooting) licence, the licensee is authorised to possess or use a registered pistol only for the purposes of participating in competitive shooting activities that are approved by the Commissioner. A category H (sport/target shooting) licence does not authorise the possession or use of a prohibited pistol. Despite the provisions referred to above in relation to this licence category, a category H licence authorises the possession or use of an antique revolver within the meaning of section 6A. However, a category H (sport/target shooting) licence does not authorise the possession or use of any such antique revolver that is a prohibited pistol. Firearms dealer licence Firearms to which the licence applies: • the kinds of firearms specified in the licence. Authority conferred by the licence: In the case of a firearms dealer other than a club armourer or a theatrical armourer, authorises the licensee and (subject to the conditions of the licence and the regulations)— (a) employees or directors of the corporation specified in the licence, or (b) employees of the partnership so specified, or (c) employees of the individual so specified, who are eligible to be issued with a licence and who are authorised in writing by the Commissioner, to possess, manufacture, convert, acquire, supply, repair, maintain or test, in the course of carrying on the business of a firearms dealer, and only at the premises specified in the licence, any firearm to which the licence applies, and to possess, manufacture, acquire or supply ammunition for those firearms. In the case of a club armourer, authorises the licensee to possess, manufacture, convert, acquire, supply, repair, maintain or test in the licensee's capacity as a club armourer, and only at the premises specified in the licence, the firearms to which the licence applies, and to possess, manufacture, acquire or supply ammunition for those firearms. The authority conferred by a firearms dealer licence issued to a club armourer is restricted to carrying out the person's duties as club armourer for the club concerned. In the case of a theatrical armourer, authorises the licensee to possess, use, manufacture, convert, acquire, supply, repair, maintain or test firearms (and blank cartridges for those firearms) in the licensee's capacity as a theatrical armourer. The authority conferred by a firearms dealer licence issued to a theatrical armourer extends to any employee of the licensee who is authorised in writing by the Commissioner. Firearms collector licence Firearms to which the licence applies: • the kinds of firearms specified in the licence. Except as otherwise provided by this Act, post-1946 pistols are excluded from this licence category. Any prohibited firearm (other than those firearms to which a category C licence or category D licence applies) is excluded from this licence category. Authority conferred by the licence: The licensee is authorised to possess the firearms to which the licence applies for the purpose of a firearms collection. (2) The regulations may prescribe sub-categories in respect of category H licences and firearms dealer licences, and specify the authority conferred by each such sub-category. (3) The authority conferred by a licence is subject to this Act and the regulations. 9 Authority conferred by licence—additional matters (cf 1989 Act s 21 (2), APMC 1 (b), 3, 4) (1) A licence that authorises the licensee to have possession of a firearm also authorises the licensee to have possession of the firearm while— (a) taking it to a licensed firearms dealer for the purpose of— (i) selling it, or (ii) having it converted, maintained, tested or repaired and subsequently recovering it from the dealer, and (b) taking it to a police officer for the purpose of having it inspected and subsequently recovering it from a police officer, and (c) taking it to a police officer for the purpose of surrendering it. (2) Subject to the regulations and except as provided by section 17A, a category C or category D licence does not authorise the possession or use of a prohibited firearm for the purposes of any shooting competition. (3) A firearms collector licence does not authorise the possession of ammunition for any firearm that is part of the firearms collection to which the licence relates. 10 Applications for licences (cf 1989 Act s 23, APMC 4, 5) (1) An application for a licence must be made in an approved manner and the fee prescribed by the regulations for the application must be paid when the application is made or as otherwise approved. (2) An applicant for a licence must— (a) if the applicant is a natural person, be of or above the age of 18, and (b) provide proof of the applicant's identity in accordance with the requirements under the Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 of the Commonwealth that apply in respect of the opening of a bank account, and (c) provide such other particulars or documents as may be prescribed by the regulations. (3) An applicant, at the time of applying for a licence, is to be provided with the following— (a) information concerning any firearms safety training course that is required by the regulations to be completed by the applicant, (b) information concerning the firearm storage and safety requirements under this Act. (4) Section 12 of the Criminal Records Act 1991 does not apply in relation to an application for a licence. Note. Only persons of or above the age of 18 can apply for (and be issued with) a licence. However under section 32, minor's firearms permits are available for certain minors (ie persons under 18 but who are of or above the age prescribed by the regulations). These permits authorise minors to possess and use firearms, under the supervision of a licence holder, for the purpose of receiving safe instruction in the use of firearms, and for competing in shooting events in the case of a minor's target pistol permit. 11 General restrictions on issue of licences (cf 1989 Act s 25, APMC 4, 5, 6) (1) The Commissioner may issue a licence in respect of an application, or refuse any such application. (2) A licence must not be issued until after the end of the period of 28 days following the day on which the application is made. (2A) Subsection (2) does not apply if the application is for the renewal of a licence (including the renewal of a category A or B licence that involves the addition of either of those licence categories to the previous licence). (3) A licence must not be issued unless— (a) the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person and can be trusted to have possession of firearms without danger to public safety or to the peace, and (b) in the case of a person who has never held a licence (including a firearms licence under a previous Act), the applicant has completed, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, such firearms training and safety courses as are prescribed by the regulations in respect of the licence concerned, and (c) the Commissioner is satisfied that the storage and safety requirements set out in Part 4 are capable of being met by the applicant, and (d) the Commissioner is satisfied that the person to whom the licence is to be issued is a resident of this State or is about to become a resident of this State. (3A) Despite subsection (3) (b), the Commissioner may require an applicant for a licence to complete such firearms training and safety courses as are approved by the Commissioner in relation to the category of licence concerned. (4) Without limiting the generality of subsection (3) (a), a licence must not be issued if the Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant may not personally exercise continuous and responsible control over firearms because of— (a) the applicant's way of living or domestic circumstances, or (b) any previous attempt by the applicant to commit suicide or cause a self-inflicted injury, or (c) the applicant's intemperate habits or being of unsound mind. (5) A licence must not be issued to a person who— (a) is under the age of 18, or (b) has, within the period of 10 years before the application for the licence was made, been convicted in New South Wales or elsewhere of an offence prescribed by the regulations, whether or not the offence is an offence under New South Wales law, or (c) is subject to an apprehended violence order or interim apprehended violence order or who has, at any time within 10 years before the application for the licence was made, been subject to an apprehended violence order (other than an order that has been revoked), or (d) is subject to one of the following in relation to an offence prescribed by the regulations— (i) a good behaviour bond, whether entered into in New South Wales or elsewhere, (ii) a community correction order imposed in New South Wales, (iii) a conditional release order imposed in New South Wales, or (e) is subject to a firearms prohibition order, or (f) is a registrable person or corresponding registrable person under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000. (5A) A licence must not be issued to a person if the Commissioner is of the opinion, having regard to any criminal intelligence report or other criminal information held in relation to the person, that— (a) the person is a risk to public safety, and (b) the issuing of the licence would be contrary to the public interest. (5B) The Commissioner is not, under this or any other Act or law, required to give any reasons for not issuing a licence on the grounds referred to in subsection (5A). (6) Except in the case of a firearms dealer licence or where the applicant's genuine reason is business or employment, a licence must not be issued to a person who is not a natural person. (7) Despite any other provision of this section, the Commissioner may refuse to issue a licence if the Commissioner considers that issue of the licence would be contrary to the public interest. (8) The regulations may provide other mandatory or discretionary grounds for refusing the issue of a licence. 12 Genuine reasons for having a licence (cf APMC 3, 1990 Reg cl 22A) (1) The Commissioner must not issue a licence that authorises the possession and use of a firearm unless the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant has a genuine reason for possessing or using the firearm. (2) An applicant does not have a genuine reason for possessing or using a firearm if the applicant intends to possess or use the firearm for any of the following reasons— (a) personal protection or the protection of any other person, (b) the protection of property (other than in circumstances constituting a genuine reason as set out in the Table to this section). (3) Subsection (2) does not limit the reasons which the Commissioner may be satisfied are not genuine reasons for the purposes of justifying the possession or use of a firearm. (4) Subject to this Act, an applicant for a licence has a genuine reason for possessing or using a firearm if the applicant— (a) states that he or she intends to possess or use the firearm for any one or more of the reasons set out in the Table to this section, and (b) is able to produce evidence to the Commissioner that he or she satisfies the requirements specified in respect of any such reason. Table Reason: sport/target shooting The applicant must be a current member of a shooting club approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations, and which conducts competitions or activities requiring the use of the firearm for which the licence is sought. Reason: recreational hunting/vermin control The applicant must— (a) be the owner or occupier of rural land, or (b) produce proof of permission given by the owner or occupier of rural land, or by an officer or employee of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development or other authority prescribed by the regulations, to shoot on rural land, or (b1) produce proof of permission given by a land manager within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012 to shoot on land in respect of which the land manager is authorised to exercise functions as land manager under that Act, or (c) be a current member of a hunting club approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations. The regulations may provide for the manner and form in which any such permission is to be given, the extent to which it operates, and how it is to be produced as evidence by the applicant. A person does not, so long as the person is authorised to give permission to shoot on land referred to in paragraph (b) or (b1), incur any liability merely because the person gives the applicant permission to shoot on the land concerned. Reason: primary production The applicant must— (a) be a person whose occupation is the business of a primary producer, or who is the owner, lessee or manager of land used for primary production, and (b) state that he or she intends to use the firearm solely in connection with farming or grazing activities (including the suppression of vertebrate pest animals on the land concerned). Reason: vertebrate pest animal control The applicant must be— (a) a professional contract shooter engaged or employed in controlling vertebrate pest animals on rural land, or (b) a person employed by or in, or authorised by, a government agency prescribed by the regulations that has functions relating to the control or suppression of vertebrate pest animals, or (c) a person whose occupation is the business of a primary producer, or who is the owner, lessee or manager of land used for primary production, and who is participating in an authorised campaign conducted by or on behalf of a government agency or public authority to eradicate large feral animals or animals that are affected by brucellosis or tuberculosis. Reason: business or employment The applicant must demonstrate that it is necessary in the conduct of the applicant's business or employment to possess or use the firearm for which the licence is sought. Reason: occupational requirements relating to rural purposes The applicant must be employed or engaged in a rural occupation that requires the possession or use of the firearm for which the licence is sought. Reason: animal welfare The applicant must be— (a) a person who, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, is an appointed officer employed by an approved charitable organisation, or (b) a veterinary practitioner, or (c) a person who is employed in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development or is a member of staff of Local Land Services and who has responsibility for animal welfare, or (d) an owner, transporter, drover or other handler of animals who may need to destroy animals to avoid suffering. Reason: firearms collection The applicant must— (a) be a current member of a collectors' society or club approved by the Commissioner in accordance with the regulations, and (b) provide a written statement by that collectors' society or club confirming that the applicant's firearms collection has a genuine commemorative, historical, thematic or financial value. 13 Category B licences—restrictions on issue (cf APMC 3 (c)) Subject to the regulations, the Commissioner must not issue a category B licence to any person unless the person, in addition to establishing a genuine reason for being issued with the licence, produces evidence to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that there is a special need for the person to possess or use a firearm to which licence category B applies. 14 Category C licences—restrictions on issue (cf APMC 3 (c)) Except as provided by section 17A, the Commissioner must not issue a category C licence to any person unless— (a) the genuine reason established by the person for being issued with the licence is primary production (or such other genuine reason as may be prescribed by the regulations), and (b) in addition to establishing any such genuine reason, the person produces evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction that there is a special need for the person to possess or use a firearm to which licence category C applies, and (c) the person produces evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction that any such special need cannot be met by any other means (including by the authority conferred by a category A or category B licence). 15 Category D licences—restrictions on issue (cf APMC 3 (c)) The Commissioner must not issue a category D licence to any person unless— (a) the genuine reason established by the person for being issued with the licence is that of vertebrate pest animal control, and (b) in addition to establishing any such genuine reason, the person produces evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction that there is a special need for the person to possess or use a firearm to which a licence category D applies, and (c) in the case of a person referred to in paragraph (c) of the genuine reason of vertebrate pest animal control, the person produces evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction that any such special need cannot be met by any other means (including by the authority conferred by a category A, category B or category C licence, or by engaging the services of a professional contract shooter). 16 Category H licences—restrictions on issue (cf APMC 3 (c), 1989 Act s 21 re pistols) (1) The Commissioner must not issue a category H licence to any person unless— (a) the genuine reason established by the person for being issued with the licence is any one or more of the following— (i) sport/target shooting, (ii) business or employment, (iii) firearms collection, and (b) in addition to establishing any such genuine reason, the person produces evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction that there is a special need for the person to possess or use a pistol. (1A) For the purposes of subsection (1), business or employment includes work undertaken voluntarily but only with respect to the static guarding of approved premises. (2) The Commissioner must not issue a category H (sport/target shooting) licence (other than a probationary pistol licence) to a person unless— (a) the person has previously been issued with a probationary pistol licence, and (b) the probationary pistol licence has expired, and (c) the application for the category H (sport/target shooting) licence is supported by a written statement by the secretary or other relevant office holder of the pistol shooting club of which the person is a member confirming that the person has complied with the conditions specified in section 16A (2). (3) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to a person if the person has previously held a category H (sport/target shooting) licence. (4) The Commissioner must not issue a category H (business/employment) licence (other than a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence) to a person who has never held such a licence unless— (a) the person has previously been issued with a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence, and (b) the provisional pistol (business/employment) licence has expired. (5) The Commissioner must not issue a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence to a person unless— (a) the person indicates that he or she intends to be employed by an approved master licensee specified in the application for the licence for the term of the licence, and (b) the approved master licensee has verified to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that the master licensee intends the employment to continue for the term of the licence. 16A Probationary pistol licences (1) A category H (sport/target shooting) licence that is issued to a person who has never held such a licence is to be issued as a probationary pistol licence. (2) A probationary pistol licence is subject to the following conditions— (a) for the first 6 months of the term of the licence, the licensee must not possess or use a pistol except— (i) while on the premises of a pistol shooting club and under the supervision of a person who is the holder of a category H (sport/target shooting) licence that is not a probationary pistol licence, and (ii) in connection with the requirement referred to in paragraph (b), (b) the licensee must, by the end of that 6-month period, have completed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner a firearm training and safety training course conducted by the pistol shooting club of which the licensee is a member. (2A) The supervision of a person for the purposes of this section is to be as required by the regulations. (3) If— (a) the holder of a probationary pistol licence applies for a category H (sport/target shooting) licence before the term of the probationary pistol licence expires, and (b) the application has not been dealt with by the time the probationary pistol licence expires, the authority conferred by the probationary pistol licence continues until such time as the person is notified of the issue of, or refusal of, the category H (sport/target shooting) licence. (4) This section does not limit the conditions to which a probationary pistol licence is subject. 16B Special provisions relating to category H (sport/target shooting) licences issued for specialised target pistols (1) In this section— specialised target pistol means— (a) a self-loading pistol with a barrel length of less than 120 mm, or (b) a revolver with a barrel length of less than 100 mm, that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is of a distinctive size or shape and is used in International Shooting Sport Federation competition events, but that is not otherwise a prohibited pistol. (2) The Commissioner may issue a category H (sport/target shooting) licence (referred to in this section as a special pistol licence) authorising a person to possess and use a specialised target pistol for the purposes only of participating in such classes of specialised shooting competitions as may be approved by the Commissioner. (3) For the avoidance of doubt, a special pistol licence is a type of category H (sport/target shooting) licence, and any requirements under this Act or the regulations that apply to or in respect of a category H (sport/target shooting) licence apply to or in respect of a special pistol licence. 16C Provisional pistol (business/employment) licences (1) A category H (business/employment) licence that is issued to a person who has never held such a licence is to be issued as a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence. (2) Without limiting section 19, a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence is subject to the following conditions— (a) the licensee must, before possessing or using a pistol, complete to the satisfaction of the Commissioner an approved firearms training course conducted by the employer, (b) the licensee must, in addition to the training referred to in paragraph (a), complete— (i) such further training within 3 months of being granted the licence as is determined by the Commissioner, and (ii) such other training as may be required by the Commissioner during the term of the licence, (c) the licensee must hold a class 1F licence issued under section 11 of the Security Industry Act 1997, (d) for the first 6 months of the term of the licence, the licensee must not possess or use a pistol unless the licensee is under the direct supervision (as determined in accordance with the regulations) of a natural person who has continuously held, for a period of more than 12 months— (i) a category H (business/employment) licence that is not a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence, and (ii) a class 1F licence under the Security Industry Act 1997. Note. The licence may also be subject to other conditions—see section 19. (3) The Commissioner must revoke a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence if the Commissioner is satisfied that the licensee has failed to comply with a condition under this section. (4) If the holder of a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence contravenes the condition referred to in subsection (2) (d), the person who is (at the time of the contravention) the master licensee who is the employer of the licensee is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty— (a) in the case of a corporation—200 penalty units, or (b) in the case of an individual—100 penalty units. (5) If— (a) the holder of a provisional pistol (business/employment) licence applies for a category H (business/employment) licence before the term of the provisional pistol (business/employment) licence expires, and (b) the application has not been dealt with by the time the provisional pistol (business/employment) licence expires, the authority conferred by the provisional pistol (business/employment) licence continues until such time as the person is notified of the issue of, or refusal of, the category H (business/employment) licence. (6) A provisional pistol (business/employment) licence is automatically revoked if the licensee ceases to be employed during the term of the licence by the approved master licensee specified in the application for the licence as required by section 16 (5). 17 Proof of special need (cf APMC 3 (c)) The regulations may specify the sort of evidence that may be produced in order to satisfy the Commissioner of a special need for the purposes of sections 13–16. However, nothing in this section is taken to limit the Commissioner's discretion in determining whether any such special need has been demonstrated. 17A Special provisions relating to category C licences issued for clay target shooting purposes (1) The Commissioner may issue a category C licence (referred to in this section as a special category C licence) authorising possession and use of a self-loading or pump action shotgun for the purposes of participating in recognised clay target shooting competitions. (2) The authority conferred by a special category C licence is subject to the following restrictions— (a) the shotgun to which the licence relates must not be loaded at any one time with more than 2 rounds, (b) the shotgun may only be used for shooting at clay targets, and for associated training programs, while on a shooting range that is approved under the regulations. (3) An applicant for a special category C licence must be a person who, immediately before 15 November 1996— (a) was in lawful possession of a self-loading or pump action shotgun used for shooting clay targets, and (b) was a member of a shooting club affiliated with the Australian Clay Target Association. (4) Alternatively, an applicant must provide, to the Commissioner's satisfaction, a written statement issued on behalf of a shooting club approved by the Commissioner, and which is affiliated with the Australian Clay Target Association (or such other body as may be approved by the Commissioner), to the effect that the applicant— (a) is a current member of that club, and (b) because of physical reasons such as lack of strength or dexterity, needs to have a self-loading or pump action shotgun in order to participate in clay target shooting competitions. (5) A statement under subsection (4) must be supported by such documents as may be required by the Commissioner. (6) Without limiting the conditions to which a category C licence is subject, a special category C licence issued under this section is subject to the condition that the licensee must, during each compliance period, participate in no less than the number of clay target shooting competitions required by the regulations. A compliance period is each of the consecutive 12-month periods during which the licence is in force, with the first of those periods starting when the licence is issued and subsequent periods starting at the end of the previous compliance period. (7) For the avoidance of doubt, a special category C licence is a type of category C licence, and any requirements under this Act or regulations that apply to or in respect of a category C licence apply to or in respect of a special category C licence. 17B Firearms dealer licences—restrictions on issue The Commissioner must not issue a firearms dealer licence if the Commissioner— (a) is of the view that a person who (in the opinion of the Commissioner) is or will be a close associate of the applicant is not a fit and proper person to be a close associate of the holder of a firearms dealer licence, or (b) is not satisfied that the applicant is to be the person primarily responsible for the management of the business to be carried on under the authority of the licence. 17C Special provisions relating to firearms collector licences (post-1946 pistols) The Commissioner may issue a firearms collector licence that authorises a person to possess a post-1946 pistol if— (a) the person produces evidence to the Commissioner that the person has been a member of a collectors' society or club for at least one year, and (b) the application for the licence is supported by a written statement by the secretary or other relevant office holder of the collectors' society or club of which the person is a member confirming that the part of the person's firearms collection comprising post-1946 pistols has a genuine commemorative, historical, thematic or financial value. Note. See also the Table to section 12 which provides that one of the requirements for the genuine reason of firearms collection is that the applicant for the licence must be a current member of an approved collectors' society or club. 18 Form of licence (cf APMC 4, 1989 Act s 26A, 1990 Reg cll 22B, 23) (1) A licence is to be in any one or more forms approved by the Commissioner. The manner and form in which the information referred to in subsection (2) is to be specified in the licence, or recorded, is to be determined by the Commissioner from time to time (including, for example, by way of magnetic strip or other electronic means). (2) A licence must— (a) contain a recent photograph of the person to whom it is issued (such photograph being obtained in accordance with arrangements determined by the Commissioner), and (b) bear the signature of the licensee, and (c) specify the licence category, and (d) specify (except in the case of a firearms dealer licence) the registered firearm or firearms to which the licence relates, and (e) specify the genuine reason for which the person was issued with the licence, and (f) (Repealed) (g) specify (in the case of a firearms dealer licence) the premises where the firearm is authorised to be kept, and (h) contain a reference to the requirements under this Act relating to the storage and safe keeping of the firearm, and (i) contain such other detail as may be prescribed by the regulations. (3) A person to whom a licence is issued must, immediately after receiving the licence, write the person's usual signature in ink in the space provided for it on the licence (unless the licence already bears the licensee's signature). Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. 19 Conditions of licence (cf 1989 Act ss 21, 28, APMC 4 (b), 9 (c)) (1) A licence may be issued by the Commissioner subject to such conditions as the Commissioner thinks fit to impose. (2) Without limiting subsection (1), each licence is subject to the following conditions— (a) the licensee must comply with the relevant safe keeping and storage requirements under this Act, (b) the licensee must not permit any other person to possess or use any firearm in the licensee's possession if that other person is not authorised to possess or use the firearm, (c) the licensee must, in accordance with such arrangements as are agreed on by the licensee and the Commissioner, or, in the case of a lic