Proposed Queensland firearms law changes have met with the broad approval of Shooters Union, which has praised the state’s LNP Government for focusing on “the real issue” of criminals and terrorists “instead of just kicking responsible firearms users for political points”.
Premier David Crisafulli introduced the Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Bill 2026 to the state’s Parliament on Tuesday.
Public submissions about the Bill are open until 10am on Tuesday, 17 February.
Click here for details of how to submit yours.
From the perspective of licensed firearms owners in Queensland, the three major changes are:
- People must be an Australian citizen to own a firearm, although exemptions are in place for competition target shooters as well as occupational users (including primary producers)
- Timber gun cabinets will no longer be permitted as secure storage containers for firearms
- Weapons Licensing Group will be able to take into account certain no-conviction-recorded offences, or certain offences where charges were dropped, when considering whether someone is a fit and proper person to have a firearms licence.
It is understood there will be at least a one-year transition period for shooters with timber cabinets to obtain a compliant safe.
It is also understood the citizenship requirement laws are not retrospective, and under the Bill as tabled the firearm licences of non-citizens will remain valid until their existing expiry date.
This is in stark contrast to NSW, which invalidated those licences with immediate effect and explicitly stated there was no compensation payable for anything arising from that.
In previewing the new Bill, the Premier stated Queensland did not intend to take part in the federal government’s proposed buyback.
“The be very clear, we are not going down the path of a gun buyback because it doesn’t target terrorists and criminals,” he said.
The main focus of the new Queensland laws is on criminal use of firearms and terrorism, and among other things the Bill increases the penalties for arms trafficking to a minimum sentence of 3.5 years for longarms and 5 years for handguns and Category R weapons, up to a maximum of life imprisonment.
It significantly increases the penalties for firearms theft and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Bill also introduces the offence of “Reckless discharge of weapon towards building or vehicle” — specifically making drive-by shootings a crime in their own right.
Possession of 3D printing files for firearms will also be illegal unless the person has an appropriate licence, but the Bill has very clear and explicit exemptions specifying the laws do not penalise inadvertent, accidental or merely potential possession of 3D printable firearm files.
Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park said the organisation welcomed the Bill’s focus on the criminal misuse of firearms, terrorism and hate.
“We have been saying ever since our foundation that licensed shooters are not the problem, and firearms law reforms should focus on criminals and other illegal activity,” he said.
“By focusing on the real issue, the Premier is sending a strong message that Queensland will not legislate based on feelings or headlines, and that its priorities are on addressing the actual shortcomings in the legislation and finding real solutions for them.
“More importantly, he is sending a strong message to all law-abiding Queenslanders that they are not the problem and should not be punished for crimes committed by terrorists in different states.
“Mr Crisafulli has displayed true leadership by standing up to bullies in Canberra and putting Queenslanders first, and we hope the Premiers in other states and territories will follow his example of doing the right thing.”
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