The Western Australian (WA) government is currently undergoing a major overhaul of its firearm regulations. This could result in the revocation of firearm licenses for individuals involved in domestic violence. At the same time, the government is planning to establish a task force and a “lived experience advisory group” to address the increasing problem of family violence.
Premier Roger Cook explained that the task force would provide guidance to the government, while the lived experience group would prioritize the voices of victims in the policymaking process, ensuring their perspectives are at the forefront of discussions.
This initiative is taking place alongside recent reforms aimed at tightening regulations on public firearm ownership. The WA government is embarking on a comprehensive reform of its firearm regulations, with a focus on reducing the prevalence of illegal firearms and enhancing community safety.
In line with the broader Australian context, Western Australia prohibits the use of firearms for self-defense. However, there are certain provisions that allow for the possession of firearms in limited circumstances, such as recreational shooting or hunting on eligible private properties.
According to data from WA Police, the number of licensed firearm owners has remained relatively stable over the past 13 years, with around 89,000 individuals holding licenses, accounting for about 4.3 percent of the state’s adult population. During the same period, the number of licensed firearms has increased by 60 percent, reaching almost 350,000. The state government argues that the average of four firearms per license holder emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review of the state’s gun laws to address these trends and enhance public safety.
The proposed changes in WA’s gun legislation include stricter training requirements for prospective gun owners. Currently, the process for obtaining a gun license relies solely on a multiple-choice test. The amendments also involve revoking licenses for individuals convicted of violent offenses and increasing regulations regarding the security and storage of firearms.
In February 2023, the WA Labor government implemented a prohibition on high-powered firearms designed for long-range shooting and able to penetrate armor plating. This prohibition made 56 firearm types and 19 ammunition calibers illegal, resulting in the prohibition and disposal of 248 licensed firearms by July 1, 2023. The state allocated funds for a “buyback” initiative to acquire these firearms from lawful owners.
Despite concerns about the potential impact on the community, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that these actions will lead to a reduction in firearm-related crimes. Paul Fitzgerald, president of the Sporting Shooters Association in Western Australia (SSA-WA), argues that there is no definitive evidence establishing a direct correlation between crime rates and the number of licensed firearm owners in Western Australia. He notes that firearms are the least common choice for criminal activities. Former police officer Bob Schwartz from Victoria also highlights that firearms account for no more than three percent of all acts of violence in Australia, with blunt objects or physical altercations being more prevalent means of attack.
In addition to the WA government’s efforts, the federal government is also considering the establishment of a comprehensive national database for firearm ownership across Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for this potential initiative. Currently, firearms in Australia are registered on a state-by-state basis. However, the Wieambilla incident in Queensland in December 2022, where two police officers were shot, prompted political leaders to consider expanding this system on a nationwide scale.