NT drops 28-day waiting period for additional Cat A & B firearms

Life has become marginally less complicated for shooters in the Northern Territory, with the Territory Government scrapping the mandatory 28-day waiting period for additional Category A and B firearms for licence holders who already own guns in the same category.

Previously, every single firearm a licence holder acquired in the Territory was subject to a 28-day minimum waiting period, regardless of how many guns they might already own.

The change brings the NT into line with Queensland, NSW and Victoria, which also have no legislated minimum “cooling off” period on Permits to Acquire after a licensee’s first firearm acquisition in each category.

It also follows a recent NT Government policy change last year allowing interstate licence holders to purchase ammunition in the Northern Territory – a situation that required the involvement of the Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA), NT Field & Game, former Senator Nigel Scullion, and Coolalinga Guns & Ammo owner Darryl Yesberg.

The change has been welcomed by shooters and firearms dealers in the Territory.

It will relieve the stress on some dealers who found themselves holding significant quantities of stock in secure storage while awaiting PTA issuance – not to mention shooters generally being frustrated they were forced to go through a 28-day waiting period despite legally already owning one or more guns to begin with.

The actual PTA process itself, including NT Police checks, remains unchanged.

Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the change struck the right balance between public safety and fairness for responsible firearm owners, describing it as being part of “practical, commonsense reforms that respect responsible firearm owners while ensuring the Territory’s strong regulatory framework remains in place”.

“If you already hold a licence, have been through all the necessary checks, and are buying another firearm of the same category, you shouldn’t have to start from scratch and wait another 28 days,” he said.

“This change removes duplication, supports local firearm retailers and gives Territorians the respect and trust they deserve.

“Our government backs responsible firearm owners: Territorians who do the right thing, follow the rules and contribute to their communities and our economy.”