This rapid review of Victoria’s Firearms Laws was conducted in accordance with its Terms of Reference that required reforms that protect all Victorians, while recognising the legitimate need for some sectors of the community to possess, carry and use firearms. The review proceeds from a consistent starting point: no recreational pursuit, however valued, can take precedence over the safety of the whole community.

This report presents the findings and recommendations of this review across the matters specified in the Terms of Reference. It addresses nine key areas including:

• limits on the number of firearms an individual may hold
• the classification of firearms
• the licensing scheme, including citizenship requirements
• licence duration and monitoring
• Illicit firearms and emerging risks
• imitation firearms and accessories
• the use of criminal intelligence in licensing decisions
• information-sharing arrangements between agencies
• other considerations for the promotion of public safety.

The review made 16 recommendations to the Victorian Government. The government has accepted 15 of those recommendations, and did not accept the recommendation related to capping firearms ownership.

The review was conducted in the context of significant national firearms reform activity being undertaken through National Cabinet, including the renegotiation of the National Firearms Agreement. Alignment with national settings has informed a number of the recommendations. 

Key findings

• Reducing firearm numbers reduces harm.
• A cap of up to four reflects current ownership patterns.
• Hunting drives higher firearm numbers in the state.
• Genuine need is not always assessed for each firearm acquired.
• Precedents already exist for limiting higher-risk firearms.
• Some licence holders present low public safety risk.
• Firearm caps are an emerging policy tool.

Key recommendations

• Introducing a cap of up to four firearms per individual category A & B licence holder.
• Limiting eligibility of firearm licences to Australian citizens, or New Zealand citizens with permanent residency in Australia who can demonstrate a genuine reason for holding a licence. 
• Legislative change to the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) to update existing firearm categories so that higher-risk firearms are appropriately classified. 
• Strengthening oversight across the full licence lifecycle – including renewal requirements, fit and proper person assessments, genuine reason assessments, and training and ongoing monitoring.
• Strengthening laws relating to the management of illicit firearms to address unlawful use, trafficking and transport risks.
• Strengthening the regulation of imitation firearms, firearm accessories and firearms-related items.