Strengthening of the National Firearms Agreement

In December 2016, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), agreed to strengthen the National Firearms Agreement (NFA), by reclassifying lever action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no greater than five (5) rounds to Category B and those with a magazine capacity of greater than five (5) rounds to Category D. Individuals should bear this in mind when purchasing lever action shotguns. In Tasmania, the required legislative change and reclassification of lever action shotguns will have an impact on some firearms owners.  Currently, these firearms require a Category A licence. Once a decision has been made about how and when these changes will occur, Firearms Services will contact affected licence holders in writing detailing the changes and the options available to them. Firearms clubs and dealers will also be contacted with information detailing the changes and associated processes. Upgrades of firearms licences will still be subject to the current standards required for those categories.  Licence holders who are eligible to have their licence upgraded will have the upgrade fee waived for this reclassification only.  Further information can be obtained from Firearms Services on (03) 6173 2720 or e-mail firearms.services@police.tas.gov.au.