Tasmania has opened public consultation on a major overhaul of its firearms laws, with the state government proposing tougher penalties for gun theft, broader police inspection powers and stricter licensing rules. The draft Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 is intended to strengthen public safety while preparing Tasmania for Australia’s National Firearms Register. The proposals remain under consultation and have not yet become law.
The reforms were announced by Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis, who said the package focuses on preventing stolen firearms from entering criminal networks while improving the accuracy of firearm records across Australia. Public consultation is open until August 7, 2026, after which the government will consider submissions before introducing the legislation to Parliament.
Mandatory prison sentence proposed for firearm theft
The centrepiece of the bill is a minimum three-month prison sentence for anyone convicted of stealing a firearm or knowingly possessing a stolen firearm.
Under the proposal, the maximum penalty for possessing a stolen firearm would increase from 100 penalty units to 300 penalty units, while courts could also impose a prison sentence of up to five years for more serious offences. The government says tougher penalties are designed to discourage firearm theft and reduce the number of illegal guns circulating in the community.
Important: The proposed changes are still being reviewed through public consultation. They will only take effect if the legislation is passed by the Tasmanian Parliament.
Police inspection powers would increase
The draft legislation would allow Tasmania Police to inspect any firearm on request, rather than limiting inspections to firearms held by the registered owner. Officials believe the change would improve compliance checks and make it easier to confirm that firearms are being stored and possessed lawfully.
If approved, licensed firearm owners would need to maintain accurate storage records and be prepared to demonstrate compliance whenever requested by police.
Changes linked to the National Firearms Register
Many of the proposed reforms support Australia’s upcoming National Firearms Register, a nationwide database that will allow police agencies to access firearm and licence information more efficiently across state and territory borders.
The register was agreed to by Australian governments following the December 2022 Wieambilla shootings and is expected to become operational by mid-2028. Tasmania’s proposed changes aim to ensure state records are ready before the national system is introduced.
Further details about the consultation process are available through the Tasmania Police consultation portal.
Earlier notification for storage and address changes
The bill would significantly tighten reporting obligations for licensed firearm owners.
Instead of notifying police within 14 days after changing address or relocating firearm storage, owners would generally need to notify Tasmania Police at least 24 hours before the change takes place. The government says this would improve the accuracy of firearm records and reduce administrative delays.
Category C classification expanded
Some straight-pull and lever-release rifles and shotguns would be reclassified into the more restrictive Category C licence category.
Because the change could affect existing owners, Tasmania plans to offer compensation through a buyback program worth 1.5 times the market value of eligible firearms if the legislation proceeds.
Australian citizenship becomes the standard requirement
The legislation would make Australian citizenship the standard eligibility requirement for obtaining a firearms licence in Tasmania.
Limited exemptions would continue for certain New Zealand citizens, including eligible primary producers and people working in approved occupations.
Key reforms proposed in the draft bill:
- Minimum three-month prison sentence for stealing or possessing a stolen firearm.
- Maximum penalty increased to 300 penalty units for possessing a stolen firearm.
- Possible prison sentence of up to five years for serious offences.
- Police permitted to inspect any firearm during compliance checks.
- Advance notification required before changing address or firearm storage location.
- Certain straight-pull and lever-release firearms reclassified as Category C.
- Australian citizenship becomes the default licence requirement.
- Buyback compensation of 1.5 times market value for eligible reclassified firearms.
No proposed cap on firearm ownership
The draft legislation does not introduce a limit on the number of firearms an individual may legally own.
Police Commissioner Donna Adams has previously suggested ownership limits should be considered, while Minister Felix Ellis has argued the focus should remain on preventing firearms from reaching criminals rather than restricting responsible licensed owners. Opposition MPs are expected to closely examine the bill when it reaches Parliament.
Another recent Australian policy change is explained in our report on Australia’s Resident Return Visa fee changes.
Read More
Buyback funding remains under discussion
The firearm reclassification proposal is linked to Tasmania’s planned buyback program, although broader discussions between the state and Commonwealth governments over funding arrangements are continuing.
The Tasmanian Government has committed to paying 1.5 times market value for eligible firearms if the legislation is approved, providing compensation for owners affected by the proposed Category C changes.
Public consultation on the Firearms Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2026 closes on August 7, 2026. The government will review submissions before deciding whether any amendments are needed.
The final version of the bill is expected to be introduced during the next sitting of the Tasmanian Parliament. Until legislation is passed, Tasmania’s existing firearms laws remain unchanged.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
