Firearms Act Reform

2016 Law Reform Commission Review of the WA Firearms Legislation, recommended a complete redraft and re-enactment of the Legislation, placing public safety at the forefront.

March 2022, the WA Government announced the commencement of the Firearms Legislation Reform. The Firearms Act Reform is the largest reform of the firearms legislation in recent history.

Apart from some amendments in 1996 following the Port Arthur massacre, the legislation has had no significant structural reform, only minor amendment since the 1970s. 

The proposed new Firearms Act will see significant changes to all aspects of the licensing and regulatory regime including the reasons for owning, renewing and/or retaining firearms, the secure storage of firearms as well as their safe handling.

• View the FAQs on the Firearms Licensing help centre page*.

*Please note: The list of FAQs and responses are not intended to be exhaustive.

Voluntary Firearm Buyback Scheme

The Western Australian Government have allocated $64.3 million dollars as part of the Firearms Act Reform initiative to compensate firearm licence holders for voluntarily surrendered firearms via the 2024 Voluntary Firearm Buyback Scheme.

All WA individual firearm licence holders are eligible to receive compensation for surrendered firearms regardless of whether legislative changes impact their licence.

The Voluntary Firearm Buyback Scheme opened 21 February 2024 and will remain open until Saturday 31 August 2024, or until the $64.3 million fund is exhausted.

The Schedule of Buyback Fees Payable can be found on the:

Firearm Surrender form (PDF, 980KB)

All police stations will be open Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm to assist. If you cannot attend the police station between those times, contact the station to discuss a time that is suitable.

Please note: some country police stations opening hours vary, so you may want to contact the station before attending to make a time that suits. 

Individual Firearm Licence Holders participating in the Voluntary Firearm Buyback Scheme:

1. Complete and download/print firearm surrender form (PDF, 980KB).
2. Take to police station:

• Completed Firearm Surrender Form, ensure all sections of the Firearm Surrender Form are completed and the information is correct. Confirm your BSB and Account Number are accurate
• Firearm Licence, and  
• Firearm/s
  Important – please note:
• Ensure your firearm is unloaded and in a safe state prior to attending the station
• Respect - Police staff will help you through the process and have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Ammunition may be surrendered but will not be compensated
• Bags and accessories will not be compensated