The Australian Government will deliver a historic funding commitment to implement the National Firearms Register, a signature community and police safety initiative.
In next month's Budget, the Australian Government will invest $161.3 million over 4 years to establish the Register, and to support extensive reform of Commonwealth, state and territory firearms management systems.
National Cabinet's landmark agreement in December 2023 to implement a National Firearms Register is the most significant improvement in Australia's firearms management systems in almost 30 years and will keep our community and police safer.
The tragic events at Wieambilla in December 2022 were a catalyst for progressing this outstanding reform from the 1996 Port Arthur massacre response.
The National Firearms Register will allow law enforcement to assess firearms risks by:
- Providing frontline police officers with near real-time information on firearms, parts, and owners and
- Linking firearms information with other relevant police and government information, including information from the National Criminal Intelligence System.
Once established, police will know where firearms are, who owns them, and what other risks to the community and police may exist.
The development of the Register is being informed by community and stakeholder consultation. The initiative is led by the Attorney-General's Department and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, working alongside state and territory governments.
The Australian Government is committed to protecting the Australian community and ensuring Australia's firearms laws remain amongst the most effective in the world.
If you know or suspect that someone has an illegal firearm, you can anonymously share that information with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppers.com.au.
