Supporting Tasmanians who own Antique Firearms

A re-elected majority Liberal Government will make changes to antique firearms laws to ensure that antique gun owners are able to safely store their weapons while respecting the value that these antique pieces offer.

“We have listened and accept that the changes that were introduced recently do not get the balance right”, Minister Ellis said.

“We recognise that antique firearms rendered incapable of being fired are often valuable heirlooms, passed down generations, or collected for their historical value."

Accordingly, a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will amend the law relating to antique firearms:

• There will be no licensing requirements, and no requirement to do a firearms safety course;

• Antique firearms manufactured prior to 1 January 1900 will only need to be registered with Tasmania Police;

• Owners will simply need to provide contact details, information about the type of firearm and where and how it is stored;

• There will be no requirement for engraving or stamping of the antique weapon;

• The process will be 100 per cent free; and

• If it is to be displayed, there will be display requirements including that the firearm must safely be secured in a rack or in a locked display cabinet that is fitted with glass or other material of sufficient strength to prevent theft. 

These rules will apply to an antique firearm that was manufactured prior to 1 January 1900, is not designed to discharge cartridge ammunition, and for which cartridge ammunition is not commercially available.

“An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is to support law abiding firearms owners and keep Tasmanians safe from firearms crime, and we believe that this change strikes that balance”, Minister Ellis concluded.