Legislative Action
Member Updates
Have your say: Member Survey, Petition and Media Campaign
Dear Members,
SSAA ACT Inc. is currently undertaking a coordinated approach to ensure the voices of responsible firearms owners are heard clearly in current and future policy discussions.
As part of this effort, we are asking all members to participate in three important initiatives…..
Member Update – 8 February 2026
Dear Members,
The Executive Committee of Council and other volunteers have been working throughout the holidays to develop and coordinate a coherent response to the proposed changes resulting from the Bondi Terrorist attack in December. We have also been working to engage with key decision-makers and stakeholders, to keep our members informed of the situation and to provide meaningful guidance.
Member Update – 5 January 2026
Dear Members
This is a stressful time for everyone, and we understand (and share) your anxiety and frustration.
SSAA National and SSAA NSW worked quickly and tirelessly to engage with the NSW Government on the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 that passed through the NSW Parliament earlier this week, here: Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. The NSW Government was not prepared to consult with key stakeholders on the legislation, acting quickly to push the Bill through parliament.
Across the border, the ACT Government has announced it will take a more measured and consultative approach, while at the same time seeking to align (where practicable and appropriate) the ACT Firearms Act 1996 with the impending amendments to its NSW equivalent.
Member Update – 20 December 2025
Dear SSAA ACT Inc. member,
Most of you will have heard by now about recent proposed changes to firearms legislation in NSW and the potential flow-on implications for the ACT. This is a rapidly evolving situation and our SSAA ACT Inc volunteers are working hard to keep on top of developments as they occur, to support our members and to coordinate with SSAA National, with other SSAA State and Territory organisations, and with other relevant associations.
We understand and appreciate how these developments are concerning to our licensed firearms owners, competition shooters and hunters alike.
Key Issues at a Glance
A concise brief for SSAA ACT Inc. Members
ACT e-Petition
We call on the ACT Government to:
1. Defer the introduction of any major firearms legislative reforms until the findings of the current Australian and Victorian Government investigations have been completed, released and properly assessed;
2. Commit to an evidence-based policy process, ensuring that any proposed changes are: a. justified by data; b. supported by expert analysis; and c. demonstrably linked to improved public safety outcomes;
3. Undertake genuine, fair and reasonable consultation with affected stakeholders, including: a. licensed firearm owners; b. firearms dealers and retailers; c. primary producers and land managers; d. pest control operators; e. sporting organisations; f. conservation bodies; g. government agencies and security organisations that hold licences; and h. rural landholders;
4. Ensure that any reform measures are proportionate, fair and targeted, with a clear focus on criminal misuse and illegal firearms rather than lawful, compliant ownership; and
5. Publish a Regulatory Impact Statement outlining the economic, social, operational and compliance impacts of any proposed reforms.
NSW e-Petitions
Legislative Assembly
Proportionate, Evidence-based and Consultative firearms policy
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, the petitioners state that:
Licensed firearms owners in New South Wales are subject to rigorous background checks, ongoing compliance requirements, and strict regulatory oversight. Following acts of violence in Bondi which involved firearms, statements made in public discourse have, at times, created an implication that licensed firearms ownership or firearms legislation is connected to terrorism or extremist terrorist activity.
Such implications risk misleading the public, undermining evidence-based policy debate, and unfairly associating law-abiding citizens with criminal, extremist or terrorist conduct they do not engage in and actively reject.
Law abiding firearms owners support stronger oversight of terrorist and criminal activities and we support stronger penalties for terrorist and criminal acts.
The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly:
1. Refrain from classifying, describing, or regulating licensed, law-abiding firearms owners in a manner that associates them with terrorism or extremist activity; and
2. Ensure that firearms policy and legislation is proportionate, evidence-based, and clearly distinguishes licensed firearms owners from criminal or terrorist actors.
Legislative Council
Proportionate, Evidence-based and Consultative firearms policy
To the President and Members of the Legislative Council:
the petitioners of NSW and Australia state that rushing gun reform without taking an evidence based approach will hurt all Australians, through second and third order effects.
The petitioners request that the House delay the rushed gun reforms proposed by Premier Minns, allowing time to assess their impact on Australians and to develop effective laws that genuinely reduce the risk of a terrorist attack like the one seen in Bondi.
Documents for download
| Document Name | Download Here |
|---|---|
| ACT Firearms Act 1996 (current version) | ACT Firearms Act 1996 |
| Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 (Bill tabled to the Assembly - 4 February 2026) | Bill and Explanatory Statement |
| SSAA ACT Inc. Submission to Relevant Government Officals - 10 January 2026 | SSAA ACT Inc. Submission, dated 10 January 2026 |
| SSAA ACT Inc. Summary of Meeting between Executive Committee and ACT Minister for Police | Meeting Notes |
| SSAA ACT Inc. Firearms Myths and Facts | Myths and Facts |
| Member Information Pack - December 2025 Provides members with factual information about the ACT and the impact to potential law changes. | Member Information Pack |