From 31 March 2025, the new laws include restricting the number of firearms individuals can own, mandatory offences and orders, compulsory safety training, health assessments and strict new storage requirements.
New firearm authority applicants, existing holders and medical practitioners are encouraged to learn more about the new laws (external site) and processes (external site) for applying or renewing firearm licences.
Some medical conditions, disabilities, or treatments (e.g. medications) may affect a person’s ability to safely possess and use a firearm. Without proper safeguards, this could lead to harm or fatal injury to the licence holder or others.
Anyone applying for or renewing a licence must undertake a FAHA to ensure their health status does not compromise firearm safety.
Under Section 153 of the Firearms Act 2024, the Commissioner of Police (or delegate) may determine a person as unfit to hold a firearm licence if they fail to meet the Firearm Authority Health Assessments (FAHA) standards.
Medical practitioners are not decision-makers as to an individual’s suitability to be granted or to retain their firearm authority. The outcome of the FAHA, including any conditions, only represents one component of the overall firearm licensing process.
Medical practitioners can learn more about the new FAHA (external site) requirements. There is also a dedicated webpage (external site) with all relevant information for firearms owners, including fact sheets for specialised groups.
The WA Police Force has also established a dedicated call centre for firearms authority applicants and holders at 1300 894 474 for questions regarding the changes.