There were significant updates to the Arms Act 1983 during 2025, most notably from the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025 which updated the entirety of section 6.
These updates included:
- Definitions of types of clubs and ranges, shooting events and activities.
- Pistol shooting clubs and non-pistol shooting clubs are defined and regulated separately with prescription for their certification and approvals, reporting requirements and inspection.
- Provision for cost recovery for processing the above applications.
- This compelled opportunity to appeal refusal or revocation of the certification or approval to the District Court to also be provided for both types of shooting ranges.
- Transitional provisions were made in respect of shooting club approvals and certifications before commencement of the Amendment Act updates.
Further changes were made to section 74, under which Regulations may be made. These changes:
- Added reference to the “responsible Minister”, instead of “Minister of Police”.
- Required consultation with Police prior to making Regulations.
Other updates through sections 80-96 replaced reference to the “Minister of Police” with “Responsible Minister”.
