Queensland's licensed firearm owners who fail to educate themselves on the state's laws for safe storage requirements could endanger themselves and the lives of fellow Queenslanders.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm was launched this year to help tackle the critical issue of firearm safety and send the clear message 'Safety First, Secure Always', to highlight the importance of proper firearm storage.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) has been conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
Detective Superintendent George Marchesini emphasised the importance of storing firearms and ammunition in separate, secure containers.
"Properly storing your firearms prevents them from falling into the wrong hands, and could even save lives," Detective Superintendent Marchesini said.
"Licensed firearm owners must ensure that they are fully informed of their legal obligations and the risks involved with non-compliance."
Under Queensland law, your container must have a sturdy combination lock, keyed lock or keyed padlock and be stored in a container of rigid structure such as solid steel, as directed by Section 94 of the Weapons Regulations 2016.
Firearms are legally required to be unloaded in storage and if they have a bolt, then this bolt must be removed, or the action broken for storage.
Should more than 30 firearms be stored at a premises, firearms need to be stored in a locked vault, storeroom or gun ruck, in accordance with Sections 88-92 of the Weapons Regulation 2016.
"Improper firearm storage is a serious safety risk," Detective Superintendent Marchesini said.
"Operation Whiskey Firestorm is about providing Queensland's licensed firearm community with the clear message of 'Safety First, Secure Always'.
"We're asking Queensland licensed firearm owners to assist in keeping our communities safe by ensuring they are fully educated on safe storage legal requirements as we proactively work together to protect lives.''
Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of firearm safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper firearm storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. Operation Whiskey Firestorm is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw 1,055 firearm licenses revoked, and over 3,290 offences involving firearms, including serious offences such as attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful entry.
The QPS will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
