Important Legal Update – Changes to Firearms Legislation
Firearms laws in New South Wales have changed dramatically. Legislation passed in late 2025 introduces some of the most significant reforms in decades, affecting who can hold a licence, what firearms can be owned, and compliance requirements.
Members will be aware of the tragic shooting incident at Bondi Beach on the 14 December 2025.
As a result of that incident, the NSW Government moved to amend legislation as it pertained to firearms licensing and decisions of the Commissioner of Police through his delegate, the NSW Firearms Registry.
The effect of that legislative amendment, amongst other things, repealed section 75 of the Firearms Act 1996, which previously allowed persons to seek an administrative review by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) of decisions of the Commissioner regarding things such as the refusal of a licence or permit application, the revocation of a licence or permit or the placing of a special condition on a licence or permit. The new section 75 of the Act allows only for administrative review by NCAT regarding Firearms Prohibition Orders in certain circumstances.
Prior to this amendment, the first step in the process was to seek an Internal Review of an adverse decision and if unsuccessful a review in NCAT. The new legislation removes the second step in the process; however, members can still seek an Internal Review if they receive a notice from Registry under the new section 75A of the Act, within 28 days of receiving it.
It is therefore very important that if a notice is received, it is acted on quicky and advice sought as to the merits of seeking an Internal Review so that any submissions can be made to the Firearms Registry with the 28-day timeframe allowed.
As an Internal Review process is now the only step available in that process, the submissions and other supporting evidence must be as strong as possible, to ensure there is a thorough review by Registry and to give the person seeking the review the best chance of having an adverse decision set aside.
Mainstone Lawyers can provide advice and assistance in preparing Internal Review submissions, along with advice and representation on all Police matters, such as court proceedings for firearm and non-firearm offences, including Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and traffic matters.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE.
Should you require legal advice relevant to a particular matter concerning you, it is always advisable to contact a lawyer. Mainstone Lawyers are able to provide legal advice regarding all firearms and other Police related matters.
Contact us via phone (02) 9531 0322
Contact us by email at info@mainstonelawyers.com.au
