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.

What was announced

The ACT Chief Minister has indicated the ACT Government will consider aligning the ACT with recently proposed changes by the New South Wales Government, noting that no changes have yet been passed by the NSW Parliament. At this stage the ACT has signalled an intention to review options and consult further before finalising any specific legislative changes.

What this means for members

We understand this announcement raises questions and concerns about how any alignment with NSW reforms might affect:

• licence conditions and renewal processes
• permitted firearm types, calibres or magazine capacities
• limits on the number of firearms per licence holder
• storage, compliance and associated costs, and
• the availability of ammunition and the practical impact on club activities, competitions and hunting.

SSAA ACT Inc. response and coordination with SSAA National

SSAA ACT Inc. is actively engaging with SSAA National and other state branches to develop a coordinated, evidence‑based response. Our priorities are to:

• ensure members’ voices and practical experiences are represented
• protect access to ranges, competitions and responsible hunting activities
• minimise unintended economic impacts on clubs, businesses and individual licence holders, and
• seek clarity and proportionality in any proposed regulatory changes.

It is in all our interests for our Association to be unified and to have our affairs in good order ahead of the inevitable challenges we are likely to face in the coming months. The current climate is uncertain and there is a compelling need to uplift the governance of our Association for our own members as well as in the best interests of all ACT Licensed Firearms Owners.

The Association, and every Discipline, Section and Club within it, will inevitably come under increasing scrutiny through more stringent compliance and governance reviews. We simply cannot afford ongoing division, and we must all prioritise the best interests of our Association and our members. Good governance, supported by a sound constitution and well-developed policies and procedures, are critical for the Association to withstand external scrutiny and to maintain the confidence of our external stakeholders. Following the recent Special General Meeting, the Executive Committee is working hard to finalise the proposed constitution and the Members Entity Policy for the endorsement of Council and the approval of our membership.

Across the country, SSAA National is coordinating a unified national approach to engage with the various governments and relevant stakeholders. This will include technical submissions, fact sheets, economic impact information, and proposals that balance public safety with the legitimate interests of lawful shooters.

Next steps and what you can expect

• We will monitor the ACT Government’s consultation process closely and participate where appropriate.
• When the ACT Government releases specific proposals or consultation papers, SSAA ACT Inc. will provide a clear summary of the proposed changes and an assessment of likely impacts for members.
• We will share guidance on how members can provide feedback to the Government and how to contribute evidence or personal experience to the consultation.
• If there are opportunities for members to participate in briefings or submit evidence, we will notify you with timelines and suggested talking points.

How you can help now

We appreciate the strength of our community and the constructive role members play in promoting safe, responsible shooting. SSAA ACT Inc. will continue to advocate for fair, practical outcomes and will keep you informed as the situation develops.

• Please keep an eye on your email for future updates and calls for input.
• Subscribe to the SSAA ACT Inc. Newsletter here.
• Follow our Facebook page where information is being shared.
• If you have recent, relevant examples of how regulatory changes would affect your shooting activities, club operations, or business (including financial impacts), please consider preparing a short note — we may request anonymised examples to support our submissions.
• If you run a firearms business, another range, or training service in the Canberra region, please let us know if you would be willing to provide data or a short statement about local economic impacts.

We would also like to remind members that any communication with Territory, State or Federal members should be considered, respectful, and professional. This should also extend to any interactions on social media.

If you must post on social media, the best way you can help is to maintain and promote the positive reputation of licensed firearms owners. Be articulate, measured, considered, evidence-based, reasonable and courteous. Angry or disillusioned rhetoric based on anxiety and uncertainty is likely to be counterproductive, as is singling out other sections of the Australian community. The Commonwealth and State & Territory governments, as well as the general public, are looking for reassurance that firearms owners are worthy of the privileges we are entrusted with.