Member Update – Proposed Changes to ACT Firearms Act 1996

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.

During the holidays, your Executive Committee has been working to coordinate an effective response to represent the interests of all our members. We have:

• released an information update and guidance to all our members,
• routinely liaised with SSAA National and the other SSAA States & Territories,
• engaged with and are seeking to mobilise all the other ACT-based and regional firearms clubs, associations and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive and collective input into the consultation process for any proposed changes to the ACT Firearms Act.
• had discussions and (with the endorsement of Council) are planning meetings with
  • the Office of the Chief Minister,
  • the ACT Leader of the Opposition,
  • the ACT Police Minister, and
  • the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Firearms Registry, and
• been working to develop submissions and an information pack to provide to the aforementioned stakeholders.

We are also reading and responding to correspondence from members who are anxious about the future of our legitimate shooting sports and activities.

Your Executive Committee is doing what our members should expect us to do. We are working calmly, methodically and rationally to represent our members where and when it counts, with urgency, without fuss, without panic, and without self-promotion or self-aggrandisement.

You can be assured we will continue to do so and will keep you updated with significant developments as they occur.

In the meantime, please help to protect the credibility and reputation of all ACT-based and regional Licensed Firearms Owners by being measured, considered, courteous and respectful in any social media posts. While representation of the Association is the responsibility of Council and the Executive committee, individual members are always free to engage with ACT Government representatives or officials. In such interactions, the linked Member’s Information Pack may be useful to support the consistent and coherent delivery of key messages on significant issues.

Members might also find the linked video update from the SSAA CEO (Tom Kenyon) interesting and useful:  Why This Gun Law Overreach Matters to Every Shooter