REFORM storage requirements - frequently asked questions

There will be a new proposed graduated storage regime implemented within the new Regulations.

Some existing approved storage may remain valid.  This validity will be based on licence type, storage location, firearm category, and the total number of firearms.

A transitional period will be provisioned to enable existing licence holders who need to upgrade their storage to do so.

It is always advisable to obtain these types of goods from professionals and reputable suppliers within the firearms industry who are familiar with the specific requirements of your circumstances.

Caution should be applied to any purchases from suppliers either outside of the industry or this jurisdiction who may not be familiar with the new requirements of WA legislation.

CCTV and alarms are under current consideration for integrated storage security of firearms based upon the type (category), the numbers stored at a location, the premise the storage is housed within and the licence the firearms are held under.

Any storage requirements outlined within the new Regulations under the new legislative regime will be the minimum requirements for lawful storage of firearms and ammunition, however there is nothing precluding individual firearm licence holders from voluntarily installing additional security measures for their own storage.

Yes, firearm storage requirements will be contemporised to introduce new minimal requirements based on the firearm categories.

No, ammunition must be stored in separately, as is currently the case.  It will need to be stored as prescribed within the new Regulations.

The new legislation proposes reporting responsibilities for firearm licence holder to provide photographic proof with metadata of their storage and its location.

The metadata (e.g. geotag information – location services) needs to be enabled when taking photographs with your phone, tablet or camera and ensure this information is attached to the photo when submitted along with a signed storage declaration.

Storage will be prescribed according to the number of firearms at any given storage location, the type of firearms and the licence those firearms are held under.

Each circumstance will be different, but the new Regulations will make clear what the requirements are for different numbers of firearms.

Yes, all firearm licence holders will be subject to the proposed new storage regime.

Some existing firearm licence holders who currently have approved storage may not require a change.

However, others will need to upgrade their secure storage and complete that within the allowed transitional period in order to remain compliant with their obligations under the new legislation.

The proposed new storage requirements are being introduced to ensure minimum standards are adhered to.

Licence holders may choose to voluntarily enhance their storage beyond the minimum required.

Under the proposed new legislation only firearm licence holders who are approved for that storage are permitted to access it.  In most cases, this will be just the one licence holder.  However, licence holders who are permanent residents of the same home may be allowed to share storage in a single facility under specific circumstances.

It is incumbent upon all firearm licence holders using a storage facility to ensure its security by securing the facility locks, keys or access codes and not disclosing them to unauthorised persons.

As per existing legislation, proof of approved storage is required to be submitted as part of the application process. Therefore, upon proclamation the new minimum standards for storage will be in effect. 

The proposed changes to the legislation will introduce new minimum storage requirements. This new minimum requirement provides contemporary and secure storage of firearms. This will reduce the risk of unlicensed persons opportunistically obtaining firearms for nefarious purposes.

Yes, each location will be obligated to meet the storage requirements.  This will be based upon the type (category) and count of firearm(s) that will be stored at that location.