‘Seeking balance’: Tasmanian government to relax antique firearms laws

Owners of antique firearms could soon see significantly relaxed rules, with the State Government seeking feedback on changes to the Firearms Act.

The proposed changes are aimed at striking a balance between supporting law-abiding collectors and ensuring public safety, Police Minister Felix Ellis said.

“We recognize that antique firearms are often valuable heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation or collected for historical value,” he said.

The revised law would make it easier to store antique firearms manufactured before Jan. 1, 1900, by eliminating licensing requirements and the need to take firearms safety courses.

Owners will only need to provide basic information when registering their firearms with Tasmania Police, including details of where and how they are stored, and the process will be free.

There will be no need to engrave or stamp the weapon, and the weapon for display will need to be securely stored in a rack or locked display case equipped with glass or other materials strong enough to prevent theft.

The changes will affect antique firearms that were not designed to fire cartridges and for which cartridges are not commercially available.

They were first promised during this year’s state election campaignafter Ellis admitted the government had misunderstood previous amendments.

The proposed changes are open for public comment until November 27.