REFORM health assessments - frequently asked questions

The proposed changes will see the introduction of mandatory health assessments for firearm licence holders. The health assessments will be a contemporary tool designed to ensure firearm licence holders can safely handle a firearm. 

The health assessments is similar to other health assessments required by law relating to some classes of driver’s licence, pilots’ licence and others. Many companies require such assessments by their employees especially in the mining sector.

Under the current legislation firearms licence holders and applicants can be asked to obtain a medical letter to help establish their fitness to hold a licence based on their current health status.

The new legislation simply makes this a mandatory process that all licence holders will be obliged to undertake on their licence renewal of 1, 3 or 5 years.

Health assessments will include both physical and mental health components. The assessment is to ensure firearm licence holders can safely handle a firearm.

This will incorporate a two-part process; a) firearm licence holders and original applicants complete a self-assessment form followed by b) consultation with a medical practitioner to complete a secondary form.

At proclamation, all new / original firearm licence applications will require the applicant to undertake the mandatory health assessment.  A transitional period will be put in place for when and how existing firearm licence holders, will be required to undertake the mandatory health assessment. 

At proclamation, all new / original firearm licence applications will require the applicant to undertake the mandatory health assessment as part of the application process.

It is proposed ongoing health assessments will be undertaken on licence renewal and/or when the licence holders reach the age of 80. Transitional arrangements will be put in place for current firearm licence holders.

Existing firearm licence holders who are 80 years of age or older will be required to undertake a Health Assessment annually.

When the new legislation is proclaimed, current firearms licence holders 80 years of age or older will have to undertake a health Assessment within 12 months or when their licence expires and requires renewal.

This requirement is similar to current Department of Transport requirements where driving licence holders are required at the age of 80 to undergo a health assessment.

Existing firearm licence holders who are 80 years of age or older that make a new application after proclamation will be required to undertake a mandatory health assessment.

A transitional period will be established to assist those affected licence holders and further advice provided at proclamation.

Yes. We encourage you to attend your normal medical practice. We envisage you will be able to utilise electronic (telehealth) appointments with your health provider if that is a suitable method.

Health assessments are only one component of the application process taken into consideration by the regulator to assess a person’s overall suitability to be a firearm licence holder.

The regulator will assess each health assessment and may require the applicant to submit further information depending on the content of the assessment.

A new computer system is being built as part of this project which will allow all licence holders to access their electronic licence via a portal. 

It is envisaged medical practitioners would lodge the final assessment directly into the new computer system but this has not yet been confirmed. Medical practitioners could also lodge the final assessment by email or by post.

The mandatory health assessment, will include a self-assessment questionnaire, which is only a few pages long.  A second component of the form will be completed when you are consulting with the medical practitioner.

Length of appointments will be determined by your health professional.

Yes, all firearm licence holders and any person who is nominated to be an authorised person under a licence (e.g. employees) will require an assessment.

The cost of an assessment will not be prescribed in this legislation. It will be determined by the medical practice you attend.

Yes. Any current medications will be reviewed in the assessment.

All aspects of the health assessment were developed in consultation with subject matter experts across the health spectrum, including government agencies, general practitioners, and specialist fields.

At proclamation, all new / original firearm licence applications will require the applicant to undertake the mandatory health assessment.

Those that have a current firearms licence will be required to undertake an assessment within a certain period of time (currently proposed for 5 yearly), the time period has not yet been confirmed.

Firearm licence holders who are 80 years of age or older that make a new application after proclamation will be required to undertake a mandatory health assessment.

Firearm licence holders who are 80 years of age or older will be required to undertake a mandatory health assessment annually, however, a transitional period will be established to assist those affected licence holders and further advice as to that period will be provided at proclamation.

You will not be able to lodge a new application without proof of a medical assessment.

Failure to undertake the mandatory health assessments under the legislation may result in the renewal of your licence being refused or revoked.

If this occurs your firearms will be seized as you will no longer be licenced to possess firearm/s.