Changes to Firearms Laws (ACT)
In February 2026, the ACT government announced proposed changes to the Territory’s firearms laws. These changes, when passed, will restrict access to deadly firearms and update the ACT’s firearms regulation system in response to new developments in technology. This page outlines the proposed changes to ACT firearms laws.
Legislation
The Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to make changes to the Firearms Act 1996.
Background
The changes are being introduced in the wake of the antisemitic terrorist attack that occurred in Bondi in December 2025, in which 15 people were killed and many more injured by two attackers armed with firearms.
After the tragedy, a new awareness has emerged of the number of firearms circulating in the Australian community and the need to update the firearms laws of the states and territories to address the dangers posed by gun violence.
In recent months, gun reform has been contemplated by all states and territories, with New South Wales passing amendments to its firearms laws in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Other states, such as Queensland, are also considering gun reform in an effort to reduce the number of firearms in circulation, and update laws to reflect new risks that have emerged in recent years. There is also a national gun buyback scheme being rolled out over the coming years.
The changes being proposed by the ACT government include limiting the number of firearms a person may own, tightening controls around how firearms are classified, and criminalising the possession of blueprints that can be used to create 3D-printed firearms.
Limit on number of firearms
In its current format, the Bill limits the number of firearms that a license holder may possess to five. However, it proposes an exemption where firearms are required for genuine occupational or sporting purposes.
A person wanting to possess more than five firearms would need to go through an application process and produce evidence that they qualify for an exemption. If such an exemption is granted, the person may be permitted to own up to 10 firearms.
Offence of possessing digital blueprint
The Bill also creates a new criminal offence consisting of possessing a digital blueprint from which a firearm can be created.
Under section 228A, a person will be guilty of an offence if they:
- have possession of a digital blueprint for an item; and
- the item is a firearm or firearm part; and
- the item may be manufactured by using the digital blueprint in combination with a computer-aided manufacturing device.
The offence will cover 3D printing and electronic milling machines.
The maximum penalty for this offence will be fine of 500 penalty units, imprisonment for five years, or both.
Changes to categorisation of firearms
The changes propose to recategorize several types of firearms, placing new limits on magazine capacity and rapid-fire weapons.
In the ACT, firearms are divided into categories (A, B, C, D and Prohibited), with each category subject to different licensing thresholds and levels of restriction.
The reforms propose that some firearms currently falling within lower-restriction categories (typically Category A or B) be moved into more restricted categories where their design or capability presents heightened risk.
This may include:
- firearms with higher magazine capacities
- firearms capable of rapid or repeated discharge beyond what is typical for sporting use
- firearms modified to accept detachable high-capacity magazines
Reclassification has significant legal consequences because higher categories generally:
- require stricter ‘genuine reason’ justifications
- limit eligibility to primary producers, occupational users, or approved collectors
- in some cases, prohibit civilian ownership entirely.
The Bill explicitly prohibits belt-fed firearms, defined as firearms that feed cartridges through a linked belt system that mechanically advances ammunition during the firing cycle. Belt-fed systems are typically associated with sustained-fire capability and are treated as incompatible with civilian sporting or occupational purposes. Their express prohibition removes any ambiguity about their status under the ACT scheme.
Responses to the proposed changes
The government has said that ACT residents expect the government to put community safety first. Opposing parties have questioned how much difference legislation can make to unlawful firearms use and have expressed concern that the proposed changes may unduly penalise lawful gun users.
ACT greens leader Shane Rattenbury questioned why the reforms did not include a provision under which a person loses their gun license if they have a domestic violence order made against them, as occurs in WA.
Many licensed firearms owners have expressed concern about the changes and suggested that further public consultation is needed.
However, a lot of community groups have welcomed the changes, as representing an improvement in public safety.
The ACT government has stated that it is open to further gun reform.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.
Fernanda Dahlstrom is a writer, editor and lawyer. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Latrobe University), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law), a Bachelor of Arts (The University of Melbourne) and a Master of Arts (Deakin University). Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal law, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory, and in family law in Queensland.