REFORM numerical limits - frequently asked questions

The number of firearms in WA has grown exponentially, however, the number of firearm licence holders have remained constant.

This indicates a large number of firearms are in the community excessive to requirements or are not being used.

Firearm theft has increased which leads to firearms being used for nefarious purposes which contributes to making the community less safe.

Rationalising the number of firearms in the community will contribute to public safety by reducing the potential impact of theft from licence holders.

If you have a licence and you have equal to or less firearms than the regulated allowable number, then this will not impact on you.

If you are applying for your first licence you will be impacted as the number of firearms you will be permitted will be regulated.

If you have a current licence and you possess quantities of firearms that exceed the regulated allowable number, you will be required to dispose of those firearms by a lawful process.

Two new licence types will be subject to numerical limits; Individual and Primary Producers.

Individual         

Hunting = 5 maximum
Competition = 10 maximum

*Elite competition shooters may apply for exemption of this number in specific circumstances.

Individual maximum combined total 10 maximum

Primary Producer                        

= 10 maximum

*These licence holders may also obtain an Individual licence for Competition only.

The numerical limits being proposed will be outlined in the new Act.

Individual firearm licences can be issued for single or multiple approved purposes.  Three approved purposes which are subject to numerical limits are:

• Primary Production.
• Hunting
• Competition Shooting (club use only)

The maximum numerical limits for individual licence holders who do not have firearms for the purpose of competition shooting is five.

The maximum numerical limits for individual licence holders who have firearms only for the purpose of competition (club) shooting is ten.

The maximum overall numerical limits for individual licence holders who have firearms for the purpose of competition (club) shooting and firearms for hunting is ten.  However, the maximum number of firearms purposed for hunting remains at five.

* The maximum numerical limits for individual licence holders who have firearms for the purpose of competition (club) shooting and firearms for hunting is ten. However, the maximum number of firearms purposed for hunting remains at five.

** Primary Producers are also eligible to apply for an Individual – Club/Competition licence type, which has maximum numerical limit of 10.  Having both of these licence types, would permit up to a maximum of 20 firearms.

Please refer to the Firearms Act Reform page for further information.

The numerical limits for all impacted licence holders (Individual and Primary Producer licence types) will come into effect when the Act is proclaimed in the first quarter of 2025.

The Bill includes the current proposed numerical limits.

Once the Bill is submitted to Parliament in accordance with parliamentary processes. It will likely take 10 - 12 months for the process to be completed and the Bill proclaimed.

Firearm licence holders impacted by the new legislation will be required to reduce the numbers of firearms by Proclamation.  Firearm licence holders will be able to dispose of their firearms by:

1. selling the firearm through lawful processes;
2. Having the firearm rendered innocuous by an authorised trade industry licence holder; or
3. participating in the Voluntary Buyback Scheme and surrender their firearms prior to Proclamation for a set compensation amount.

Any licensed firearm can be surrendered during the life of the scheme whether it is affected by changes to the legislation or not.

This is a chance for those firearm owners who haven’t used their guns for some time and who don’t want them any more to surrender them under the scheme.

A series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relating to the Buyback Scheme can be accessed on the Firearms Act Reform page.

An individual can obtain a firearm licence for the approved purpose of paintball; however, these firearms are not subject to numerical limits and for this reason explanation of numerical limits excludes any reference to paintball.

Scenarios and examples

If an individual has ONLY competition (Club) firearms, the maximum number of firearms available for licensing is ten (as shown below).

If an individual has both competition (Club) firearms and firearms purposed for hunting, the maximum number of firearms available for licensing is ten; however, the maximum number of firearms purposed for hunting remains at 5. 

See the following scenarios for examples but remember the total number of firearms cannot be more than ten.