Firearms licence eligibility now bars applicants suspected of domestic violence or stalking, and surrender on revocation becomes mandatory

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The Act has been updated in three notable ways. First, the list of reasons a person cannot hold a firearms licence has expanded: beyond existing rules about protection orders and domestic violence convictions, a chief firearms officer can now deny a licence if they have reasonable grounds to suspect the individual may have engaged in domestic violence or stalking — no conviction is required. Second, when a licence or registration certificate is refused or revoked and a notice is issued, the language has shifted from 'may deliver' to 'must deliver' firearms and related items to a peace officer or firearms officer within 24 hours, making surrender an obligation rather than an option. Third, the list of disqualifying offences now explicitly includes criminal harassment and coercion or control of an intimate partner. Licence holders, applicants, and those subject to protection orders are directly affected and should review their eligibility status with a legal advisor.

Who this affects: firearms licence applicants · current firearms licence holders · individuals subject to protection orders · individuals with domestic violence or stalking history · chief firearms officers