April 2026 (2) - Flipbook - Page 117
Licence
Recent reforms have introduced new requirements for club membership, licence duration, estate
planning, and firearm acquisition in NSW. If you hold a licence, it’s important to ensure your
membership is current, your estate plans are in place, and you comply with storage and acquisition
rules to remain lawful.
Club Membership
Licence holders must be a member of a Commissioner-approved shooting, hunting, or
collectors club, or
Hold a formally recognised exemption.
Club membership is now a condition of your licence.
Licence Duration and Reviews
New licences are issued for 2 years, not 5 years.
Existing 5-year licences remain valid until expiry.
Most licensing decisions now require an internal review first.
Direct access to NCAT is limited, with firearms prohibition orders being the main exception.
Estate Planning (Death Nominations)
Licence holders must nominate what happens to their firearms if they die:
Surrender to police, or
Temporary transfer to another licensed person (maximum 6 months), or
Temporary transfer to a firearms dealer (maximum 6 months).
Storage and Permits to Acquire (PTAs)
When acquiring new firearms, you must demonstrate compliance with safe storage
requirements.
PTAs cannot be used to exceed your authorised firearm ownership limit.
Important: These changes represent a major shift in firearms regulation in NSW. Members are
encouraged to stay informed, maintain current club membership, and seek advice early to ensure
continued lawful ownership and participation.
God bless Black Powder!
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