This paper considers changes to legislation, policy and law enforcement operations that occurred or were proposed in 2002-03. The starting point for the legislation reviewed is the Commonwealth's amendment of customs regulations, from 20 December 2002, to prohibit the importation of handguns and handgun parts for the purpose of sports shooting unless they conform to calibre, barrel and magazine specifications. Another catalyst for reform has been the gun violence in Sydney in 2003, particularly drive-by shootings in south-west Sydney related to gang disputes. There were also numerous gun thefts from security companies, which prompted the formulation of stricter storage requirements and calibre limits on firearms.