Weapons Licensing Laws in QLD: Your Rights & What to Do If You’re Charged
Queensland’s weapons licensing regulations play a significant role for anyone who owns or plans to have firearms. The state’s Weapons Act 1990 controls all aspects of weapon ownership, use, and sale, and breaching these laws carries serious consequences.
Penalties depend on the type and quantity of weapons involved. Minor offences could lead to fines of over $2,300 and six months’ imprisonment, while serious violations can result in up to 13 years behind bars. A conviction for unlawful firearm possession also appears on your criminal history check.
In this article, we break down weapons licensing requirements in QLD, common offences, and what steps to take if you’ve been charged.
Understanding Weapons Licensing in Queensland
Overview of the Weapons Act QLD
Queensland’s Weapons Act 1990 was introduced following the Port Arthur tragedy and reshaped national approaches to firearms. The legislation balances public safety with the rights of legitimate weapon owners.
It works alongside two key regulations:
- Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 — defines weapon types
- Weapons Regulation 2016 — sets licence conditions and weapons safety standards
Weapons Licensing is overseen by the Queensland Police Service.
What is considered a weapon under QLD law?
The term “weapon” in Queensland law includes:
- All firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns)
- Replicas, air rifles, flick knives, silencers, and martial arts weapons
- Hidden weapons like walking sticks with concealed blades
- Protective vests, crossbows, and more
Categories of weapons and their restrictions
Weapons fall under categories A–H, M and R, each with specific restrictions:
- Category A: Non-semi-automatic rimfire rifles, air rifles, paintball guns
- Category B: Centre-fire rifles, lever-action shotguns (≤5 rounds)
- Category C: Semi-automatic rimfire rifles (≤10 rounds), shotguns (≤5 rounds)
- Category D: Semi-automatic centre-fire rifles, high-capacity shotguns
- Category E: Bulletproof vests
- Category H: Concealable handguns
- Category M: Certain knives, martial arts weapons, crossbows
- Category R: Fully automatic military-style weapons
Your firearms licence type and valid reason determine what categories you can access.
How to Legally Obtain and Maintain a Weapons Licence
Eligibility criteria for QLD weapons licensing
To apply, you must:
- Be at least 11 years old and reside in Queensland
- Provide a valid reason (e.g. sport shooting, farming)
- Complete a firearms safety course
- Demonstrate secure storage
- Meet the “fit and proper person” test (no disqualifying convictions or DVOs)
Medical conditions must be disclosed, and a certificate may be required.
Types of licences available
Some examples include:
- Firearms Licence (Categories A–D)
- Concealable Firearms Licence (Category H)
- Minor’s Licence (ages 11–17)
- Collector’s Licence
- Security and Visitor Licences
Each is tailored to a specific category and purpose.
Requirements for safe storage and use
Firearms must be stored in solid, lockable containers (steel or timber), bolted to a structure if under 150kg. Ammunition must be stored separately. More stringent rules apply to higher-risk categories like D, H, and R.
Minor’s licence: rules for under 18s
Minors aged 11–17 may apply for a licence to use certain weapons under adult supervision, for approved activities like target shooting or farm work. This licence expires at age 18 and does not permit ownership or registration.
Common Weapons Act Offences and Their Penalties
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Penalties escalate based on the number and type of weapons:
- Possession of 10+ weapons (including certain restricted categories) may lead to 10–13 years in prison
- A single restricted weapon (e.g. Category D or H) can carry a maximum of 7 years
- Mandatory minimums apply in aggravated cases
Possession of unregistered or modified weapons
Unregistered firearms can lead to fines of over $24,000. Modifying a firearm or possessing a modified one can result in up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
Carrying weapons in public places
Carrying exposed or loaded weapons in public can result in 3 months to 2 years in prison. Carrying knives without a “reasonable excuse” is also prohibited—self-defence is not considered valid.
Shortening or altering firearms
Illegally shortened firearms or altered identification markings attract penalties of up to 2 years’ jail or $24,000 in fines.
Failing to store weapons securely
Failure to meet secure storage laws can lead to a fine of nearly $24,000 or 2 years’ imprisonment. A conviction may also result in a 5-year licence disqualification.
What Happens If You’re Charged?
Weapons Act charges are serious and vary widely depending on the circumstances.
Initial legal process
After being charged, you may receive a Notice to Appear or be arrested. Your first court date is a mention hearing, where you’ll enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, your matter will proceed to trial. Police must prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
Mandatory sentencing and aggravating factors
Certain offences carry mandatory minimum jail terms. Penalties may increase based on:
- Prior criminal record
- Type and number of weapons involved
- Presence of weapon modifications
- Association with organised crime
- Whether the offence occurred during another criminal act
Court hierarchy for weapons offences
- Magistrates Court: Most common weapons charges
- District Court: More serious or indictable offences
- Supreme Court: Cases involving multiple or severe charges
How Smith Cambridge Can Help
Facing a weapons charge in Queensland can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re unsure of the process or your rights.
At Smith Cambridge, our criminal defence team provides clear, practical advice from the very start. If you’re under investigation or have been charged under the Weapons Act, we can help assess your situation, explain your legal options, and support you throughout every step of the process.
Don’t leave it too late; early legal advice can make a real difference.
Contact Smith Cambridge today to speak with a lawyer who understands Queensland’s weapons laws inside and out.