{"id":"firearms-regulations-1997","name":"FIREARMS REGULATIONS 1997","slug":"firearms-regulations-1997","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nt","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":176836,"registerId":"nt-firearms-regulations-1997-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"FIREARMS REGULATIONS 1997","content":"NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\nFIREARMS REGULATIONS 1997\nAs in force at 17 May 2024\nTable of provisions\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1\n1A Disqualifying offences...................................................................... 1\n1B Offences of violence ........................................................................ 3\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 1 Requirements relating to grant of licences\n2 Requirements relating to sports shooting ........................................ 4\n3 Requirements relating to recreational shooting or hunting .............. 4\n4 Requirements relating to primary production ................................... 5\n5 Requirements relating to vertebrate pest animal control ................. 5\n6 Requirements relating to business or employment.......................... 5\n7 Requirements relating to occupational requirements ...................... 5\n8 Requirements relating to animal protection ..................................... 5\n9 Requirements relating to firearms collection.................................... 6\n10 Requirements relating to museum display....................................... 6\n11 Requirements relating to inheritance ............................................... 6\n11A Requirements relating to instruction in firearms use and safety ...... 7\nDivision 2 Grounds for not granting licences\n12 Restrictions on granting licences for category C firearms ............... 7\n13 Restrictions on granting licences for category D firearms ............... 8\n14 Restrictions on granting licences for category H firearms ............... 9\n15 Restrictions on granting firearms dealer licences ............................ 9\n16 Restrictions on granting firearms corporate licences ..................... 10\n17 Restrictions on granting firearms employee licences .................... 10\nDivision 3 Conditions applying to licences\n18 Conditions applying to certain licences.......................................... 10\n19 Conditions applying to firearms collector licences ......................... 11\n19A Conditions applying to firearms museum licences......................... 11\n20 Condition applying to firearms heirloom licences .......................... 12\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\n20A Application of Part ......................................................................... 12\n\nFirearms Regulations 1997 ii\n21 Storage and safe keeping requirements for category A and B\nfirearms ......................................................................................... 12\n22 Storage and safe keeping requirements for category C, D and\nH firearms ...................................................................................... 13\n22A Storage and safe keeping requirements for ammunition ............... 13\n23 Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms dealer\nlicences ......................................................................................... 14\n24 Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms armourer\nlicences ......................................................................................... 16\n25 Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms collector\nlicences ......................................................................................... 18\n25AA Storage and safe keeping requirements for antique firearms\ncollector licences ........................................................................... 19\n25A Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms museum\nlicences ......................................................................................... 19\n25B Storage and safekeeping requirements for firearms club\nlicences ......................................................................................... 20\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n25D Prescribed checks for shooter's licence or permit to purchase\nfirearm ........................................................................................... 20\n26 Particulars in licence...................................................................... 21\n27 Firearms dealer's register and return ............................................. 21\n30 Automatic cancellation of licences and permits ............................. 22\n32 Transporting firearms .................................................................... 22\n33 Recognition of interstate licences .................................................. 23\n34 International competitors – prescribed information ........................ 24\nPart 5 Category H sports shooting\n35 Definitions ...................................................................................... 24\n36 Prescribed category H firearms ..................................................... 25\n37 Prescribed category H sports shooting disciplines ........................ 26\n38 Specially accredited disciplines ..................................................... 26\n39 Participation rate............................................................................ 26\nPart 5A Paintball\n39A Prescribed paintball firearm ........................................................... 27\n39B Prescribed paintball pellets............................................................ 27\n39C Prescribed amount of public liability insurance .............................. 27\n39D Conditions of paintball operator licence or permit ......................... 27\nPart 6 Infringement notices\n40 When infringement notice may be served ..................................... 28\n41 Prescribed amount ........................................................................ 28\n42 Particulars to be included in infringement notice ........................... 28\n\nFirearms Regulations 1997 iii\n43 Expiation of offence ....................................................................... 29\n44 Withdrawal of infringement notice ................................................. 29\n45 How service effected ..................................................................... 30\n46 General .......................................................................................... 30\nSchedule 2 Storage and safekeeping requirements for\ncategory a and b firearms\nSchedule 3 Storage and safekeeping requirements for\ncategory C, D and H firearms\nSchedule 4 Infringement notices prescribed offences\nand amounts\nENDNOTES\n\n\n\nNORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA\n____________________\nAs in force at 17 May 2024\n____________________\nFIREARMS REGULATIONS 1997\nRegulations under the Firearms Act 1997\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Citation\nThese Regulations may be cited as the Firearms Regulations 1997.\n1A Disqualifying offences\n(1AA) This regulation prescribes offences to be disqualifying offences for\nsection 3(1) of the Act, definition disqualifying offence,\nparagraph (a).\n(1) An offence against any of the following provisions of the Criminal\nCode is a disqualifying offence:\n(a) section 51, 54, 55, 62, 73, 74, 110 or 148B;\n(d) section 155A, where a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(e) section 156, 160, 161A or 165;\n(f) section 166, where a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(g) section 170;\n(ga) section 174C, where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 174G(a) exists;\n(gb) section 174E, 174F, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181\nor 182;\n(h) section 180A, 184, 185 or 188(2)(m), if a custodial sentence is\nimposed;\n(i) section 188A(1) if the victim suffers harm;\n(j) section 189A(1), where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 189A(2)(b) exists;\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nFirearms Regulations 1997 2\n(k) section 189(2), where:\n(i) the circumstance of aggravation specified in\nsection 189(2)(b) exists; or\n(ii) a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(l) section 190;\n(m) section 191, where a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(o) section 193B(1), where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 193B(2) or (3) exists;\n(oa) section 194, 195, 196, 201, 202, 202B, 202C, 202D, 208H,\n208HA or 208HB;\n(ob) section 208JI or 208MA, if a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(oc) section 218;\n(p) section 221(1), where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 222(1)(c) or (d) exists;\n(s) section 224, 225(3), 228, 242, 243, 244, 245 or 281.\n(1A) An offence against the following provisions of the Criminal Code, as\nin force before the commencement of this subregulation, is a\ndisqualifying offence:\n(a) section 211;\n(b) section 212(1), where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 212(2) or (3) exists;\n(c) section 213(1), where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 213(6) exists;\n(d) section 215;\n(e) section 216, where the circumstance of aggravation specified\nin section 216(2) or (3) exists;\n(f) section 226B.\n(1B) An offence against any of the following provisions of the Criminal\nCode, as in force before the commencement of Part 2 of the\nCriminal Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences)\nAct 2023, is a disqualifying offence:\n(a) section 131A or 134, if a custodial sentence is imposed;\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nFirearms Regulations 1997 3\n(b) section 192 or 192B.\n(2) An offence against any of the following provisions of the Misuse of\nDrugs Act 1990 is a disqualifying offence:\n(a) Part II, Division 1, other than sections 6B(1), 7B(1) and 7D(1);\n(b) section 7B(1) or 7D(1) if a sentence of imprisonment is\nimposed.\n1B Offences of violence\n(1AA) This regulation prescribes offences to be offences of violence for\nsection 3(1) of the Act, definition offence of violence,\nparagraph (a).\n(1) An offence against any of the following provisions of the Criminal\nCode is an offence of violence:\n(a) section 57 or 58;\n(b) section 69, 70 or 125, where a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(e) section 132;\n(f) section 134, unless a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(g) section 148C or 148D;\n(h) section 155A, 166 or 185, unless a custodial sentence is\nimposed;\n(i) section 174C, 174D, 186, 186AA or 188(2)(a) to (j);\n(j) section 188(2)(m), unless a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(k) section 188A(1) if the victim does not suffer harm;\n(m) section 189A(1), unless the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 189A(2)(b) exists;\n(n) section 189(2), where the circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 189(2)(a) exists, unless a custodial\nsentence is imposed;\n(o) section 191, unless a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(p) section 193;\n(pa) section 193B(1), unless a circumstance of aggravation\nspecified in section 193B(2) or (3) exists;\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 1 Requirements relating to grant of licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 4\n(q) section 200, where a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(r) section 208JG, 208LB, 208LC or 208LD.\n(2) An offence against any of the following provisions of the Criminal\nCode, as in force before the commencement of Part 2 of the\nCriminal Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences)\nAct 2023, is an offence of violence:\n(a) section 130 or 131;\n(b) section 131A, unless a custodial sentence is imposed;\n(c) section 188(2)(k).\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 1 Requirements relating to grant of licences\n2 Requirements relating to sports shooting\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is sports shooting must be a member of an approved\nfirearms club.\n3 Requirements relating to recreational shooting or hunting\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is recreational shooting or hunting must:\n(a) be the owner or occupier of rural land;\n(b) produce proof of permission given by the owner or occupier of\nrural land to shoot on the rural land;\n(c) produce proof of permission given by an employee of an\nAgency, within the meaning of the Public Sector Employment\nand Management Act 1993, to shoot on Crown land; or\n(d) produce proof of permission given by the clerk of a local\ngovernment council to shoot on land owned or occupied by\nthe council.\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 1 Requirements relating to grant of licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 5\n4 Requirements relating to primary production\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is primary production must:\n(a) be a person who is a primary producer or the owner, lessee or\nmanager of land used for primary production; and\n(b) produce evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction that he\nor she intends to use firearms solely in connection with\nfarming or grazing activities (including the suppression of\nvertebrate pest animals on the land).\n5 Requirements relating to vertebrate pest animal control\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is vertebrate pest animal control must be:\n(a) a professional contract shooter engaged or employed in\ncontrolling vertebrate pest animals on rural land; or\n(b) a person employed by or in, or authorised by, an Agency,\nwithin the meaning of the Public Sector Employment and\nManagement Act 1993, or a government or local government\ncouncil, that has functions relating to the control or\nsuppression of vertebrate pest animals.\n6 Requirements relating to business or employment\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is business or employment must demonstrate that it\nis necessary in the conduct of the applicant's business or\nemployment to possess or use firearms for which the licence is\nsought.\n7 Requirements relating to occupational requirements\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is occupational requirements must be employed or\nengaged in an occupation that requires the possession or use of\nfirearms for which the licence is sought.\n8 Requirements relating to animal protection\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is animal protection must be:\n(a) an officer of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to\nAnimals established in the Territory; or\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 1 Requirements relating to grant of licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 6\n(b) a registered veterinarian or registered veterinarian specialist,\nwithin the meaning of the Veterinarians Act 1994; or\n(c) a person employed by or in an Agency, within the meaning of\nthe Public Sector Employment and Management Act 1993, or\na government or local government council, responsible for\nanimal welfare; or\n(d) an owner, transporter, drover or other handler of animals who\nmay need to destroy animals to avoid suffering.\n9 Requirements relating to firearms collection\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing\nfirearms is firearms collection must:\n(a) be a member of an approved society or club the members of\nwhich collect firearms of the kind for which the licence is\nsought; and\n(b) collect firearms for display:\n(i) as curiosities or ornaments; or\n(ii) for their historic or artistic value or mechanical\nuniqueness.\n10 Requirements relating to museum display\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing or\nusing firearms is museum display must collect firearms for display:\n(a) as curiosities or ornaments; or\n(b) for their historic or artistic value or mechanical uniqueness.\n11 Requirements relating to inheritance\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing a\nfirearm is inheritance must:\n(a) produce proof of the inheritance; and\n(b) not qualify to possess the firearm under any other licence.\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 2 Grounds for not granting licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 7\n11A Requirements relating to instruction in firearms use and safety\nAn applicant for a licence whose genuine reason for possessing a\nfirearm is instruction in firearms use and safety must:\n(a) have successfully completed a course in instructional\ntechniques that is delivered by a registered training\norganisation (RTO) as defined in section 3 of the National\nVocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth);\nand\n(b) either:\n(i) have successfully completed a course for firearms\ninstructors that is delivered by an RTO; or\n(ii) possess the relevant skills, experience or qualifications\nto make the applicant suitable to deliver firearms use\nand safety training.\nDivision 2 Grounds for not granting licences\n12 Restrictions on granting licences for category C firearms\n(1) The Commissioner is not to grant a licence authorising the\npossession or use of category C firearms unless:\n(a) the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearms\nestablished by the applicant for the licence is any of the\nfollowing:\n(i) sports shooting;\n(ii) primary production;\n(iii) vertebrate pest animal control;\n(iv) business or employment;\n(v) occupational requirements;\n(vi) animal protection;\n(vii) firearms collection;\n(viii) museum display;\n(ix) instruction in firearms use and safety;\n(x) paintball operator or employee; and\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 2 Grounds for not granting licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 8\n(b) the applicant produces evidence to the Commissioner's\nsatisfaction that there is a genuine need for the applicant to\npossess or use category C firearms; and\n(c) the applicant produces evidence to the Commissioner's\nsatisfaction that the genuine need is not met by any other\nmeans (including by the possession or use of category A\nfirearms or category B firearms).\n(2) Where the genuine reason established under subregulation (1) is\nsport shooting, an applicant is to be taken to have complied with\nparagraphs (b) and (c) where the applicant satisfies the\nCommissioner that:\n(a) he or she is a member of an approved firearms club; and\n(b) members of the firearms club compete in target shooting\ndisciplines for shotguns conducted by the Olympic Games or\nthe Commonwealth Games or at national, international or\nworld championships.\n(3) Where a licence authorising the possession or use of a category C\nfirearm is granted for the genuine reason of sports shooting, the\nlicence authorises the possession or use of a shotgun only and\ndoes not authorise the possession or use of any other category C\nfirearm.\n13 Restrictions on granting licences for category D firearms\n(1) The Commissioner is not to grant a licence authorising the\npossession or use of category D firearms unless:\n(a) the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearms\nestablished by the applicant for the licence is any of the\nfollowing:\n(i) primary production;\n(ii) vertebrate pest animal control;\n(iii) business or employment;\n(iv) occupational requirements;\n(v) firearms collection;\n(vi) museum display;\n(vii) instruction in firearms use and safety; and\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 2 Grounds for not granting licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 9\n(b) the applicant produces evidence to the Commissioner's\nsatisfaction that there is a genuine need for the applicant to\npossess or use category D firearms.\n(2) Where the genuine reason established under subregulation (1) is\nprimary production, the applicant must produce evidence to the\nCommissioner's satisfaction that he or she needs to possess or use\ncategory D firearms for the culling of large feral animals and the\nneed is not met by any other means (including by the possession or\nuse of another category of firearm or the employing of a\nprofessional contract shooter).\n14 Restrictions on granting licences for category H firearms\nThe Commissioner is not to grant a licence authorising the\npossession or use of category H firearms unless:\n(a) the genuine reason for possessing or using the firearms\nestablished by the applicant for the licence is any of the\nfollowing:\n(i) sports shooting;\n(ii) business or employment;\n(iii) occupational requirements;\n(iv) firearms collection;\n(v) museum display;\n(vi) inheritance;\n(vii) instruction in firearms use and safety; and\n(b) the applicant produces evidence to the Commissioner's\nsatisfaction that there is a genuine need for the person to\npossess or use category H firearms.\n15 Restrictions on granting firearms dealer licences\n(1) The Commissioner is not to grant a firearms dealer licence in\nrespect of category C firearms, category D firearms or category H\nfirearms unless:\n(a) the applicant for the licence is already the holder of a firearms\ndealer licence;\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 3 Conditions applying to licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 10\n(b) the applicant produces evidence to the Commissioner's\nsatisfaction that the applicant derives a substantial part of his\nor her income from dealing in firearms; and\n(c) the Commissioner is satisfied that the applicant has complied\nwith the reporting and the storage and safe keeping\nrequirements in respect of the firearms dealer licence held by\nthe applicant.\n(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply where the applicant is an\napproved firearms club.\n16 Restrictions on granting firearms corporate licences\nThe Commissioner is not to grant a firearms corporate licence\nunless satisfied:\n(a) the applicant is engaged in a business or undertakes activities\nin respect of which there is a need to possess or use firearms;\n(b) the applicant has made adequate provision for the safe\nstorage and control of firearms the applicant will possess; and\n(c) the applicant has made arrangements, when required by the\nCommissioner, for those employees of the applicant who will\npossess firearms to undertake an approved firearms training\nand safety program.\n17 Restrictions on granting firearms employee licences\nThe Commissioner may refuse to grant a firearms employee\nlicence unless satisfied that the applicant has satisfactorily\ncompleted an approved firearms training and safety program.\nDivision 3 Conditions applying to licences\n18 Conditions applying to certain licences\n(1) A licence authorising the possession or use of category D firearms\ngranted to an applicant whose genuine reason is primary\nproduction is subject to the following conditions:\n(a) the holder may only possess or use category D firearms in an\narea specified by the Commissioner;\n(b) the holder must obtain the approval of the Civil Aviation Safety\nAuthority before using category D firearms from a helicopter;\n(c) the holder is to use category D firearms for culling from the\nground only when airborne culling is not practicable;\n\nPart 2 Licences\nDivision 3 Conditions applying to licences\nFirearms Regulations 1997 11\n(d) at the expiration of the licence, all category D firearms must\nbe surrendered to a member of the Police Force or stored or\ndisposed of in an approved manner.\n(2) A licence authorising the possession or use of category C firearms\ngranted to an applicant in accordance with regulation 12(2) is\nsubject to the following conditions:\n(a) the holder must take part in not less than 4 target\ncompetitions conducted by the club of which the holder is a\nmember in each year of the licence;\n(b) the holder may only use a shotgun under the licence:\n(i) at premises occupied by a firearms club that are\napproved under Part 8 of the Act; and\n(ii) in accordance with approved competition and\nassociated training programs (including the loading of\nnot more than 2 cartridges at a time).\n19 Conditions applying to firearms collector licences\nA firearms collector licence is subject to the following conditions:\n(a) all category D firearms in the collection must be rendered\npermanently incapable of being fired;\n(b) all category A, B, C and H firearms in the collection must be\nrendered temporarily incapable of being fired by the removal\nand separate storage of the bolt or firing pin or by a trigger\nlock, or by an approved method;\n(c) the holder must not restore a category D firearm in the\ncollection to a state that it can be fired.\n19A Conditions applying to firearms museum licences\nA firearms museum licence is subject to the following conditions:\n(a) all firearms in the possession or custody of the museum must\nbe rendered temporarily incapable of being fired by the\nremoval and separate storage of the bolt or firing pin or by a\ntrigger lock or by an approved method;\n(b) the holder must not restore a category D firearm to a state\nthat it can be fired.\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 12\n20 Condition applying to firearms heirloom licences\nA firearm heirloom licence is subject to the condition that a firearm\nspecified in the licence must be permanently incapable of being\nfired.\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\n20A Application of Part\nThis Part does not apply in relation to a category D firearm that:\n(a) is designed for military purposes; and\n(b) is either:\n(i) permanently affixed to a tank, military aircraft or other\nmilitary vehicle; or\n(ii) a firearm that is designed so that it can only be operated\nor moved by more than one person; and\n(c) has been rendered permanently incapable of being fired.\nExamples for regulation 20A\nA tank, anti-aircraft gun, aircraft-mounted machine gun, artillery piece or large\nmortar that has been rendered permanently incapable of being fired.\n21 Storage and safe keeping requirements for category A and B\nfirearms\nA category A firearm or category B firearm must be stored in\naccordance with the following requirements:\n(a) when the firearm is not actually being used or carried, it must\nbe stored in a locked receptacle that complies with the\nrequirements specified in Schedule 2;\n(b) if the receptacle weighs less than 150 kg when empty, it must\nbe fixed to a wall or floor in a manner that prevents its easy\nremoval.\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 13\n22 Storage and safe keeping requirements for category C, D and\nH firearms\nA category C firearm, category D firearm or category H firearm\nmust be stored in accordance with the following requirements:\n(a) when the firearm is not actually being used or carried, it must\nbe stored in a safe or other receptacle that complies with the\nrequirements specified in Schedule 3;\n(b) the safe or receptacle must be bolted to a wall or floor.\n22A Storage and safe keeping requirements for ammunition\n(1) A person in possession of ammunition must, when the ammunition\nis not being used or carried, ensure that the ammunition is stored\nseparately from firearms in a sturdy container that is locked.\n(2) The container may be:\n(a) stored inside a receptacle that contains firearms; or\n(b) attached to, or form a separate compartment within, a\nreceptacle that contains firearms; or\n(c) stored externally to a receptacle that contains firearms.\n(3) The container must have a lock that is a combination lock, key lock\nor electronic lock that is different to any combination lock, key lock\nor electronic lock used to open a receptacle in the person's\npossession or control that contains firearms.\n(4) A key, code or other access device that secures the lock of a\ncontainer that contains ammunition must be stored separately from\na key, code or other access device used to open a receptacle that\ncontains firearms.\n(5) This regulation does not apply to a person who is excluded under\nsection 4(4A) of the Act from the application of section 69 of the\nAct.\nExamples for regulation 22A\n1 An ammunition box stored outside of a firearms safe. The ammunition box\nis opened using a key and the safe is opened using a code.\n2 An ammunition box that is stored inside a firearms safe. The ammunition\nbox and the safe are opened using two different keys that are stored\nseparately.\n3 A compartment for ammunition that is built into a firearms safe. The safe is\nopened using one code and the compartment containing ammunition is\nopened using a different code.\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 14\n23 Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms dealer\nlicences\n(1) The following storage and safe keeping requirements apply to\npremises or a part of premises used by the holder of a firearms\ndealer licence to conduct business under the licence:\n(a) the premises or the part of the premises must be a permanent\nbuilding that complies with the following:\n(i) all doors must be made of solid material or covered by a\nsteel sheet or reinforced steel mesh that is firmly fixed or\nmotion sensors must be fitted to all internal areas of the\npremises or the part of the premises;\n(ii) all doors must be fitted with locks of the dead latch type\nor an extra hasp and padlock must be fitted;\n(iii) all doors must be fitted with hinges that are concealed or\nthat have had the hinge pins welded;\n(iv) all doors must be fitted with 4 shoot bolts, on the inside\nand at the top and bottom of each door;\n(v) all side and rear windows must be fitted with security\nscreens;\n(vi) all front windows must be fitted with security screens or\nmotion sensors must be fitted to all internal areas of the\npremises or the part of the premises;\n(vii) where motions sensors are fitted, they must be\nconnected and operate to warn of any unauthorised\nentry of persons;\n(b) a storage room in the premises or part of the premises in\nwhich firearms are stored must comply with the following:\n(i) all walls must be sufficiently solid to provide a physical\nbarrier to entry;\n(ii) all windows must be fitted with security screens;\n(iii) all lockable containers in the room must be constructed\nof steel or similar strong material and must be fitted with\nhinges that are concealed or that have had the hinge\npins welded.\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 15\n(2) The following storage and safekeeping requirements apply to\nfirearms possessed under a firearms dealer licence:\n(a) category A firearms and category B firearms may be\ndisplayed during business hours if:\n(i) the firearms are displayed in a rack that is fixed to a\nsolid wall; and\n(ii) the firearms are secured in the rack by a high tensile\ncable or chain, with a minimum diameter of 4 mm, that\npasses through the trigger guard of each firearm and is\npadlocked to a wall or other immovable fixture;\n(b) category H firearms may be displayed during business hours\nif the firearms are in a lockable display cabinet that is:\n(i) fitted with glass or other material of sufficient strength to\nprevent easy entry; and\n(ii) locked at all times except when a person who is the\nholder of a licence that authorises the person to possess\nor use category H firearms is inspecting a firearm in the\ncabinet;\n(c) all display cabinets in which firearms are displayed must be\ndesigned so that the firearms on display cannot be readily\nremoved;\n(d) category A firearms and category B firearms may be stored in\nthe rack referred to in paragraph (a) after business hours if\nthe rack is constructed so that a sliding or drop down security\nmesh screen covers the firearms in the rack to prevent their\nremoval;\n(e) category A firearms and category B firearms, if not stored\nafter business hours in accordance with paragraph (d), must\nbe stored in a storage room that complies with the\nrequirements of subregulation (1)(b);\n(f) category H firearms must be stored after business hours in a\nlocked safe in a storage room that complies with the\nrequirements of subregulation (1)(b);\n(g) category C firearms and category D firearms must not be\ndisplayed at anytime and must be stored in a storage room\nthat complies with the requirements of subregulation (1)(b) in\na safe that must remain locked at all times except when a\nperson who holds a licence to possess or use category C\nfirearms or category D firearms is inspecting a firearm in the\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 16\nsafe.\n(3) The holder of a firearms dealer licence must affix and keep affixed\nto each firearm in the holder's possession (other than for the\npurposes of maintenance or repair) a label showing the entry\nnumber for that firearm as entered in the register required to be\nkept under the Act and the identifying number (if any) of the\nfirearm.\n24 Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms armourer\nlicences\n(1) The following storage and safe keeping requirements apply to\npremises or a part of premises used by the holder of a firearms\narmourer licence to conduct business under the licence:\n(a) the premises or the part of the premises must be a permanent\nbuilding that complies with the following:\n(i) all doors must be made of solid material or covered by a\nsteel sheet or reinforced steel mesh that is firmly fixed;\n(ii) all doors must be fitted with locks of the dead latch type\nor an extra hasp and padlock must be fitted;\n(iii) all doors must be fitted with hinges that are concealed or\nthat have had the hinge pins welded;\n(iv) all doors must be fitted with 4 shoot bolts, on the inside\nand at the top and bottom of each door;\n(v) all side and rear windows must be fitted with security\nscreens;\n(vi) all front windows must be fitted with security screens or\nmotion sensors must be fitted to all internal areas of the\npremises or the part of the premises;\n(vii) where motions sensors are fitted, they must be\nconnected and operate to warn of any unauthorised\nentry of persons;\n(b) a storage room in which firearms are stored must comply with\nthe following:\n(i) all walls must be sufficiently solid to provide a physical\nbarrier to entry;\n(ii) all windows must be fitted with security screens;\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 17\n(iii) all lockable containers in the room must be constructed\nof steel or similar strong material, fixed to the floor or\nwall, and must be fitted with hinges that are concealed\nor that have had the hinge pins welded.\n(2) The following storage and safekeeping requirements apply to\nfirearms possessed under a firearms armourer licence:\n(a) category A firearms and category B firearms may be\ndisplayed during business hours if:\n(i) the firearms are displayed in a rack that is fixed to a\nsolid wall; and\n(ii) the firearms are secured in the rack by a high tensile\ncable or chain, with a minimum diameter of 4 mm, that\npasses through the trigger guard of each firearm and is\npadlocked to a wall or other immovable fixture;\n(b) all display cabinets in which firearms are displayed must be\ndesigned so that the firearms on display cannot be readily\nremoved;\n(c) category A firearms and category B firearms may be stored in\nthe rack referred to in paragraph (a) after business hours if\nthe rack is constructed so that a sliding or drop down security\nmesh screen covers the firearms in the rack to prevent their\nremoval;\n(d) category A firearms and category B firearms, if not stored\nafter business hours in accordance with paragraph (c), must\nbe stored in a storage room that complies with the\nrequirements of subregulation (1)(b);\n(e) category H firearms must be stored after business hours in a\nlocked safe in a storage room that complies with the\nrequirements of subregulation (1)(b);\n(f) category C firearms, category D firearms and category H\nfirearms must be stored in a locked safe except when being\nrepaired or tested.\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 18\n25 Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms collector\nlicences\n(1) The following storage and safe keeping requirements apply to\npremises or a part of premises used by the holder of a firearms\ncollector licence to store firearms under the licence:\n(a) the premises or the part of the premises must be a permanent\nbuilding and all windows and doors to the building must be\nfitted with locks;\n(b) a storage room in which firearms are stored must comply with\nthe following:\n(i) all walls must be sufficiently solid to provide a physical\nbarrier to entry;\n(ii) all windows are to be fitted with security screens;\n(iii) all doors must be made of solid material or covered by a\nsteel sheet or reinforced steel mesh that is firmly fixed;\n(iv) all doors must be fitted with locks of the dead latch type\nor an extra hasp and padlock must be fitted;\n(v) all doors must be fitted with hinges that are concealed or\nthat have had the hinge pins welded;\n(vi) all lockable containers in the room must be constructed\nof steel or similar strong material and must be fitted with\nhinges that are concealed or that have had the hinge\npins welded.\n(2) The following storage and safekeeping requirements apply to\nfirearms possessed under a firearms collector licence:\n(a) category A firearms and category B firearms may be\ndisplayed if:\n(i) the firearms are displayed in a rack that is fixed to a\nsolid wall; and\n(ii) the firearms are secured in the rack by a high tensile\ncable or chain, with a minimum diameter of 4 mm, that\npasses through the trigger guard of each firearm and is\npadlocked to a wall or other immovable fixture;\n(b) category C firearms may be displayed if the firearms are in a\nlockable display cabinet designed so that the firearms in the\ncabinet cannot be readily removed;\n\nPart 3 Storage and safe keeping\nFirearms Regulations 1997 19\n(c) category D firearms and category H firearms must be stored\nin a locked container in a storage room complying with the\nrequirements of subregulation (1)(b) and may be displayed\nonly in the presence of the holder of the firearms collector\nlicence.\n25AA Storage and safe keeping requirements for antique firearms\ncollector licences\n(1) The holder of an antique firearms collector licence must store\nfirearms held under the licence so that:\n(a) every firearm is kept safely;\n(b) no firearm is stolen or lost; and\n(c) no firearm comes into the possession of a person who is not\nauthorised to possess it.\n(2) The holder of an antique firearms collector licence may display a\nfirearm held under the licence if:\n(a) the firearm is displayed in a rack that is fixed to a solid wall\nand the firearm is secured in the rack by a high tensile cable\nor chain, with a minimum diameter of 4mm, that passes\nthrough the trigger guard of each firearm in the rack and is\npadlocked to a wall or other immovable fixture; or\n(b) the firearm is displayed in a locked display cabinet that is\nfitted with glass or other material of sufficient strength to\nprevent easy entry.\n25A Storage and safe keeping requirements for firearms museum\nlicences\n(1) The storage and safekeeping requirements specified in\nregulation 25(1) apply to premises or part of premises used by the\nholder of a firearms museum licence to store firearms under the\nlicence.\n(2) The following storage and safekeeping requirements apply to\nfirearms possessed under a firearms museum licence:\n(a) category A and B firearms may be displayed if:\n(i) the firearms:\n(A) are displayed in a rack that is fixed to a solid wall;\nand\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nFirearms Regulations 1997 20\n(B) are secured in the rack by a high tensile cable or\nchain, with a minimum diameter of 4 mm, that\npasses through the trigger guard of each firearm\nand is padlocked to a wall or other immovable\nfixture; or\n(ii) the firearms are displayed in a locked display cabinet\ndesigned so that the firearms in the cabinet cannot be\nreadily removed;\n(b) category C, D and H firearms may be displayed if the firearms\nare in a locked display cabinet designed so that the firearms\nin the cabinet cannot be readily removed.\n25B Storage and safekeeping requirements for firearms club\nlicences\n(1) The holder of a firearms club licence must take all reasonable steps\nto ensure that the persons nominated under section 9(6)(b) of the\nAct comply with the storage and safe keeping requirements of the\nAct and these Regulations in relation to:\n(a) the club's firearms; and\n(b) firearms held by the club on behalf of its members,\nwhen those firearms are not in use.\n(2) Subregulation (1) applies in relation to firearms whether stored on\nor off the club's premises.\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n25D Prescribed checks for shooter's licence or permit to purchase\nfirearm\nFor the purposes of sections 10(5) and 35(5) of the Act, the\nprescribed checks are checks by the Commissioner of:\n(a) the records of the Northern Territory Police Force; and\n(b) if the Commissioner considers it necessary – the records of\nthe Australian Federal Police and the records of each of the\nStates and other Territories of the Commonwealth,\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nFirearms Regulations 1997 21\nto determine if the applicant for the licence or permit is recorded as:\n(c) having been charged with, or convicted or otherwise dealt with\nby a court or other tribunal for, a breach of the criminal law or\na law relating to domestic violence; or\n(d) having been the subject of an order made by a court or other\ntribunal under a law relating to domestic violence or mental\nhealth.\n26 Particulars in licence\nFor the purposes of section 12 of the Act, the prescribed particulars\nare:\n(a) the name of the holder;\n(b) if the holder is an individual, the date of birth of the holder;\n(c) the genuine reason for the licence;\n(d) the type of licence;\n(e) the number of the licence;\n(f) the category of firearms that may be possessed or used under\nthe licence;\n(g) the expiry date of the licence;\n(h) the conditions to which the licence is subject;\n(j) in relation to a firearms dealer licence and firearms armourer\nlicence, the business name, if any, of the holder; and\n(j) in relation to a firearms employee licence, the name of the\nemployer of the holder.\n27 Firearms dealer's register and return\n(1) For the purposes of section 18 of the Act, the prescribed particulars\nfor each purchase, receipt, sale or transfer of a firearm or firearm\npart by the holder of a firearms dealer licence are:\n(a) the name and address of the person involved in the purchase,\nreceipt, sale or transfer;\n(b) the number of the person's licence authorising the person to\npossess or use the firearm or firearm part;\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nFirearms Regulations 1997 22\n(c) the number of the person's permit to purchase or acquire the\nfirearm or firearm part;\n(d) for each firearm or firearm part that is or has been in the\npossession of the holder of the firearms dealer licence:\n(i) the date of its initial purchase or receipt by the holder\nand of its subsequent sale or transfer;\n(ii) the name and address of the person who initially gave\npossession of it to the holder; and\n(iii) when it is sold or transferred, its make, serial number,\ncalibre, type, action and magazine capacity (if any).\n30 Automatic cancellation of licences and permits\nFor the purposes of section 40(2) of the Act, the following\nconditions are prescribed:\n(a) a condition authorising the carrying of category H firearms\nwhilst physically present during the transfer or security of\nmoney or other valuable items in the course of duty as a\nsecurity guard;\n(b) a condition authorising the carrying of category H firearms for\napproved purposes;\n(c) a condition requiring a pistol to be in a holster and is secured\nby an approved trigger guard;\n(d) a condition that firearms of a person's employer be possessed\nor used only in the course of employment;\n(e) a condition authorising the possession or use of category H\nfirearms for approved activities;\n(f) a condition prohibiting the carrying of category H firearms\nconcealed on the person.\n32 Transporting firearms\n(1) For the purposes of section 66 of the Act, a prohibited firearm or a\ncategory A, B, C, D or H firearm may be conveyed:\n(a) by registered post;\n(b) by a commercial freight carrier or a common carrier; or\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nFirearms Regulations 1997 23\n(c) in the possession of:\n(i) the owner of the firearm; or\n(ii) a person who is licensed to be in possession of the\nfirearm and who has the owner's permission to be in\npossession of the firearm.\n(2) Where:\n(a) a firearm is being conveyed in a motor vehicle; and\n(b) the motor vehicle is left unattended at a place away from\nwhere the firearm is normally stored or secured,\nThen:\n(c) the firearm is to be placed in the boot, the cargo carrying area\nor some other lockable compartment of the vehicle or is to be\nsecured by means of a firearm securing device;\n(d) the firearm is to be completely hidden from open view;\n(e) ammunition for the firearm is to be placed in a lockable\ncompartment of the vehicle (other than the compartment in\nwhich the firearm is placed) or in a locked container secured\nin or on the vehicle; and\n(f) the person in charge of the vehicle must take all reasonable\nsteps to ensure that, while the vehicle remains unattended,\nthe firearm:\n(i) is kept safely in the vehicle;\n(ii) is not stolen or removed from the vehicle; and\n(iii) does not come into the possession of a person who is\nnot licensed to be in possession of the firearm.\n33 Recognition of interstate licences\n(1) For section 92(b) of the Act, a person who holds a corresponding\nlicence authorising the possession or use of a category A firearm or\na category B firearm who is residing temporarily in the Territory is\nnot required to hold a licence to possess or use the firearm for any\npurpose for which the person is authorised to possess or use the\nfirearm in the State or Territory that issued the corresponding\nlicence.\n\nPart 5 Category H sports shooting\nFirearms Regulations 1997 24\n(2) In subregulation (1), residing temporarily means residing for a\nperiod less than 3 months.\n34 International competitors – prescribed information\n(1) For the purposes of section 33A(2) of the Act, the following\ninformation is prescribed:\n(a) the international competitor's full name, address and date of\nbirth;\n(b) the international competitor's passport or visa number\n(including details of the country of issue and date of expiry);\n(c) the make, model, calibre, action and serial number of the\nfirearm being imported by the international competitor;\n(d) the international competitor's reason for importing more than\none firearm (if applicable);\n(e) the international competitor's firearms licence from his or her\ncountry of residence showing the official stamp or other mark\nof the issuing authority, a photograph of the applicant, the\ncountry of issue, the date of expiry and the classes or\ncategories of firearms to which the licence relates;\n(f) the dates and locations of shooting competition events in\nwhich the international competitor will participate;\n(g) the period the international competitor intends to stay in\nAustralia.\n(2) If an international competitor is unable to produce a firearms\nlicence as required by subregulation (1)(e), the international\ncompetitor will be taken to have complied with the paragraph if the\ninternational competitor provides to the Commissioner a clearance\ncertificate, containing a photograph of the international competitor\nand signed by the relevant authority in the international competitor's\ncountry of residence, declaring that the international competitor is\nlawfully entitled to possess, carry and use firearms in that country\nof the categories or classes named in the certificate.\nPart 5 Category H sports shooting\n35 Definitions\nIn this Part:\nIPSC means International Practical Shooting Confederation.\n\nPart 5 Category H sports shooting\nFirearms Regulations 1997 25\nISSF means International Sports Shooting Federation.\nNRA means National Rifle Association.\n36 Prescribed category H firearms\n(1) For sections 15A(1), 15C(a), 35A(2), 58(2A)(a)(i) and 110 of the\nAct, the following are prescribed firearms:\n(a) category H firearms that comply with the following:\n(i) the calibre of the firearm does not exceed .38\" unless\nthe firearm is for use in a specially accredited discipline,\nin which case the calibre may exceed .38\" but must not\nexceed .45\";\n(ii) if the firearm is self-loading, the barrel length is not less\nthan 120mm;\n(iii) if the firearm is a revolver or a single-shot pistol, the\nbarrel length is not less than 100 mm;\n(iv) the shot capacity of the firearm does not exceed 10\nrounds;\n(b) black powder or muzzle loading pistols;\n(c) cap and ball percussion revolvers;\n(d) highly specialised target pistols.\n(2) In subregulation (1):\nbarrel length means:\n(a) if the firearm is a revolver, the distance from the muzzle of the\nbarrel to the breach end immediately in front of the cylinder;\nand\n(b) if the firearm is not a revolver, the distance from the muzzle of\nthe barrel to the point of the breach face (which includes the\nchamber).\nhighly specialised target pistol means a pistol:\n(a) that does not comply with the specifications in paragraph (a);\nand\n(b) that is held under a category H sports shooter's licence for\nuse in ISSF competition events where both the pistol and the\nuse of the pistol comply fully with the rules of the ISSF.\n\nPart 5 Category H sports shooting\nFirearms Regulations 1997 26\n37 Prescribed category H sports shooting disciplines\nFor the definition of category H sports shooting in section 3(1) of\nthe Act, each of the following is a prescribed category H shooting\ndiscipline if the match is run in accordance with the rules of the\nnational or international body that administers the discipline:\n(a) Black Powder Match;\n(ab) International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts (ICORE);\n(b) IPSC;\n(c) ISSF;\n(d) Metallic Silhouette;\n(e) NRA Action Match;\n(f) Police and Services Match;\n(g) Single Action Match.\n38 Specially accredited disciplines\nFor the definition of specially accredited discipline in section 3(1)\nof the Act, the following category H sports shooting disciplines are\nprescribed as disciplines for which a category H firearm with a\ncalibre greater than .38\" but not greater than .45\" may be used:\n(a) Metallic Silhouette;\n(b) Single Action Match.\n39 Participation rate\nFor section 15C(d) of the Act, the prescribed participation rate for\nthe holder of a category H sports shooter's licence is as follows:\n(a) a minimum of 12 shooting events in a calendar year with not\nless than 3 events in any financial quarter-year;\n(b) if the holder of the licence engages in 3 shooting disciplines,\nthe minimum number of shooting events for the calendar year\nis 14;\n(c) for each additional shooting discipline in excess of\n3 disciplines that the holder of the licence engages in, the\nminimum number of shooting events for the calendar year\nincreases by 4.\n\nPart 5A Paintball\nFirearms Regulations 1997 27\nPart 5A Paintball\n39A Prescribed paintball firearm\nFor the definition paintball in section 3(1) of the Act, a prescribed\npaintball firearm is a paintball firearm that:\n(a) has a calibre of .68\"; and\n(b) discharges paintball pellets at a velocity of not more than\n91.44 m per second; and\n(c) is a single shot pump action or semi-automatic; and\n(d) does not have the appearance of a pistol or prohibited\nfirearm.\n39B Prescribed paintball pellets\nFor the definition paintball in section 3(1) of the Act, prescribed\npaintball pellets are gelatine capsules that:\n(a) when made, have a diameter of 17.27 mm; and\n(b) are filled with a water-soluble marking dye of any colour\nexcept red or brown.\n39C Prescribed amount of public liability insurance\nFor section 9(9)(c) of the Act, the prescribed amount is $10 million.\n39D Conditions of paintball operator licence or permit\nA paintball operator licence or permit is subject to the following\nconditions:\n(a) the paintball operator must not alter the approved paintball\nrange without the written approval of the Commissioner;\n(b) the operator must:\n(i) within 7 days after a change to the operator's business\n(whether relating to the business activities or the\nconstitution of the business), give written notice to the\nCommissioner about the change; and\n(ii) give the Commissioner the documents or information the\nCommissioner requires relating to the change;\n\nPart 6 Infringement notices\nFirearms Regulations 1997 28\n(c) the operator must ensure the operator's paintball operator\nemployees:\n(i) complete an approved paintball safety course; and\n(ii) personally supervise the possession and use of paintball\nfirearms by paintball players at the range; and\n(iii) exercise all reasonable care and precaution, and give\nthe necessary directions to any person, to prevent\ndanger of injury arising out of the playing of paintball at\nthe range;\n(d) the operator must ensure only paintball firearms are used for\nplaying paintball at the range;\n(e) the operator must ensure compliance with an approved\npaintball operator code of practice;\n(f) the operator must allow a police officer or approved person to\ninspect the approved paintball range at any reasonable time\nto ensure compliance with the Act.\nPart 6 Infringement notices\n40 When infringement notice may be served\nIf a member of the Police Force believes that a person has\ncommitted an offence against a provision of the Act or these\nRegulations specified in column 1 of Schedule 4, he or she may\nserve an infringement notice on the person.\n41 Prescribed amount\nThe prescribed amount that may be paid, instead of the penalty\nthat may otherwise be imposed, for an offence against a provision\nof the Act or these Regulations specified in column 1 of Schedule 4\nis the amount specified opposite in column 2.\n42 Particulars to be included in infringement notice\nAn infringement notice is to include the following particulars:\n(a) the name and address of the alleged offender;\n(b) the date, time and place of the offence;\n(c) the nature of the offence and the prescribed amount payable\nin respect of that offence;\n\nPart 6 Infringement notices\nFirearms Regulations 1997 29\n(d) the person to whom the alleged offender may pay the\nprescribed amount and the address of that person;\n(e) the date of the infringement notice and a statement that the\nprescribed amount may be paid within 28 days after that date;\n(f) a statement to the effect that, if the alleged offender wishes to\npay the prescribed amount, he or she should complete the\nrelevant part of the infringement notice and return the notice\nwith the prescribed amount to the person specified in the\nnotice;\n(g) a statement to the effect that, if the alleged offender wishes to\nbe dealt with by a court in relation to the offence, he or she\nshould not pay the prescribed amount but should complete\nthe relevant part of the infringement notice and return the\nnotice to the person specified in the notice;\n(h) a statement that, if the alleged offender does nothing in\nresponse to the infringement notice, a summons may be\nissued requiring the alleged offender to appear before the\nLocal Court to be dealt with in relation to the offence;\n(i) any other particulars approved by the Commissioner.\n43 Expiation of offence\n(1) If an alleged offender pays the prescribed amount specified in an\ninfringement notice in accordance with the notice, the alleged\noffender is taken to have expiated the offence and no further\nproceedings are to be taken in respect of the offence.\n(2) If an alleged offender tenders a cheque in payment of a prescribed\namount, the amount is not taken to have been paid unless the\ncheque is cleared on first presentation.\n44 Withdrawal of infringement notice\nAn infringement notice may be withdrawn at any time within\n28 days after it is served, but before payment of the prescribed\namount specified in the infringement notice, by serving on the\nalleged offender a notice:\n(a) signed by the member of the Police Force who issued the\nnotice or another member authorised by the Commissioner for\nthe purpose; and\n(b) stating that the infringement notice is withdrawn.\n\nPart 6 Infringement notices\nFirearms Regulations 1997 30\n45 How service effected\nService of an infringement notice, or a notice of withdrawal of an\ninfringement notice, is effected:\n(a) by serving it personally on the alleged offender;\n(b) by posting it to the alleged offender at his or her last known\naddress; or\n(c) by leaving it for the alleged offender at his or her last known\nplace of residence or business with a person apparently\nresident or employed there and apparently not less than\n16 years of age.\n46 General\nThis Part:\n(a) does not prevent more than one infringement notice in respect\nof the same offence being served on an alleged offender, but\nit is sufficient for the application of regulation 43 to an alleged\noffender on whom more than one infringement notice has\nbeen served for the alleged offender to pay the prescribed\namount in accordance with any one of those notices;\n(b) does not prejudice or affect (except as provided by\nregulation 43) the institution or prosecution of proceedings,\nand does not limit the penalty that may be imposed by a court,\nfor an offence; and\n(c) does not require an infringement notice to be served and does\nnot affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted in a court\nfor an offence in respect of which an infringement notice has\nnot been served.\n\nSchedule 2 Storage and safekeeping requirements for category a and b firearms\nFirearms Regulations 1997 31\nSchedule 2 Storage and safekeeping requirements for\ncategory a and b firearms\nregulation 21\n1. The sides and door are to be constructed of solid steel:\n(a) that has a minimum thickness of 3 mm; or\n(b) that has a minimum thickness of 2 mm if the method of\nconstruction used ensures rigidity or additional reinforcing to\nprevent distortion has been included.\n2. All edges are to be rolled or folded.\n3. The door is to be recessed or flush fitted and is to be sized to\nprevent leverage points.\n4. All hinges are to be secured so that the door cannot be detached\nby removing the pins, internal or trap-type hinges being preferred.\n5. There are at least 2 bolt-down points.\n6. There is to be one locking point.\n7. There is to be sufficient reinforcing to prevent distortion of the door\nif a forced entry were to be attempted.\n8. If a padlock is used, it is to be covered so as to prevent the lock\nbeing cut or broken off.\n\nSchedule 3 Storage and safekeeping requirements for category C, D and H firearms\nFirearms Regulations 1997 32\nSchedule 3 Storage and safekeeping requirements for\ncategory C, D and H firearms\nregulation 22\n1. The safe or other receptacle is to be constructed of solid steel:\n(a) that has a minimum thickness of 6 mm in the sides and the\ndoor; or\n(b) that, subject to inspection and approval by the Commissioner,\nhas minimum thicknesses of 3 mm in the sides and 6 mm in\nthe door.\n2. All hinges are to be non-removable and are to be constructed in the\nsame manner as safe-style hinges.\n3. Locks are to be internal and may be combination locks, key locks\nor electronic locks or a mixture of 2 or more of those kinds of locks.\n4. A safe or other receptacle for the storage of category C or D\nfirearms is to have at least 2 locking bolts operated by one or more\nlocks.\n5. A safe or other receptacle for the storage of category H firearms is\nto have:\n(a) at least one lock; or\n(b) if the swinging edge is greater than 500 mm – at least\n2 locking bolts operated by one or more locks.\n6. Alternatively, category H firearms may be stored in a compartment\ninside a receptacle that complies the requirements specified in\nSchedule 2 (a Schedule 2 receptacle) if the compartment:\n(a) is a separate box inside the Schedule 2 receptacle;\n(b) has a thickness of solid steel that is at least equal to the\nthickness of the steel in the Schedule 2 receptacle;\n(c) can only be accessed if the door to the Schedule 2 receptacle\nis opened first; and\n(d) is designed so that, in combination with the Schedule 2\nreceptacle, it provides a double thickness of steel on all sides.\n\nSchedule 4 Infringement notices prescribed offences and amounts\nFirearms Regulations 1997 33\nSchedule 4 Infringement notices prescribed offences and\namounts\nregulations 40 and 41\nColumn 1\nOffence Provision\nColumn 2\nPrescribed Amount\nSection 18(2)\nFailing to update firearms dealer register 4 penalty units\nSection 18(3)\nFailing to provide record of transaction 4 penalty units\nSection 63(4)\nFailing to return completed permit within 7 days 4 penalty units\nSection 66 and regulation 32\nFailing to comply with transport requirements for\ncategory A or B firearms where the failure did not\nresult in the loss, theft or misuse of the firearm\n4 penalty units\nSection (69(1)\nPossessing ammunition without licence, permit or\nauthorisation\n1.5 penalty units\nSection 78(2)\nCarrying exposed firearm in public place 4 penalty units\nSection 80\nPossessing firearm on land without authorisation 4 penalty units\nSection 60J\nAllowing a child to possess or use a paintball\nfirearm to play paintball if under 14, or without\nparental consent if between 14 and 18\n4 penalty units\nSection 60K(1)\nAllowing a person who has not made a paintball\nplayer declaration to possess or use a paintball\nfirearm to play paintball\n4 penalty units\nSection 85\nContravention of a licence or permit if the\ncontravention does not result in the loss, theft or\nmisuse of a firearm\n4 penalty units\n\nSchedule 4 Infringement notices prescribed offences and amounts\nFirearms Regulations 1997 34\nSection 90(1)\nFailing to notify Commissioner of change of\nname or address\n1.5 penalty units\nSection 90(3)\nFailing to notify Commissioner of change of\nparticulars specified in application for licence,\npermit or certificate of registration\n1.5 penalty units\nSection 90(4)\nFailing to notify Commissioner of loss or theft of\nlicence, permit or certificate of registration\n1.5 penalty units\nSection 96(1)(a)\nFailing to carry licence or permit 1.5 penalty units\nSection 96(1)(c)\nFailing to produce licence, permit or certificate of\nregistration\n1.5 penalty units\nRegulation 21\nFailing to comply with storage requirements for\ncategory A or B firearms if the failure does not\nresult in the loss, theft or misuse of a firearm\n4 penalty units\n\nENDNOTES\nFirearms Regulations 1997 35\nENDNOTES\n1 KEY Key to abbreviations\namd = amended od = order\napp = appendix om = omitted\nbl = by-law pt = Part\nch = Chapter r = regulation/rule\ncl = clause rem = remainder\ndiv = Division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired rep = repealed\nf = forms s = section\nGaz = Gazette sch = Schedule\nhdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision\nins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation\nlt = long title sub = substituted\nnc = not commenced\n2 LIST OF LEGISLATION\nFirearms Regulations (SL No. 3, 1997)\nNotified 13 March 1997\nCommenced 13 March 1997\nAmendments of Firearms Regulations (SL No. 45, 2000)\nNotified 1 September 2000\nCommenced 1 September 2000\nAmendments of Firearms Regulations (SL No. 58, 2000)\nNotified 22 December 2000\nCommenced 22 December 2000\nStatute Law Revision Act (No. 2) 2001 (Act No. 62, 2001)\nAssent date 11 December 2001\nCommenced 11 December 2001 (s 2(2) and s 2 Firearms Amendment Act\n(No. 2) 2000 (Act No. 64, 2000) and Gaz S63,\n22 December 2000, p 1)\nAmendments of Firearms Regulations (SL No. 36, 2003)\nNotified 1 July 2003\nCommenced 1 July 2003\nFirearms Amendment Act 2004 (Act No. 19, 2004)\nAssent date 15 March 2004\nCommenced s 4: nc (rep by Act No 4, 2007); rem: 28 April 2004 (Gaz G17,\n28 April 2004, p 2)\nAmending Legislation\nStatute Law Revision Act 2007 (Act No. 4, 2007)\nAssent date 8 March 2007\nCommenced 8 March 2007\n\nENDNOTES\nFirearms Regulations 1997 36\nStatute Law Revision Act 2007 (Act No. 4, 2007)\nAssent date 8 March 2007\nCommenced 8 March 2007\nFirearms Amendment (Paintball) Act 2007 (Act No. 17, 2007)\nAssent date 18 September 2007\nCommenced 29 November 2007 (Gaz G48, 28 November 2007, p 4)\nPenalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013)\nAssent date 12 July 2013\nCommenced 28 August 2013 (Gaz G35, 28 August 2013, p 2)\nLocal Government Amendment Act 2014 (Act No. 19, 2014)\nAssent date 2 June 2014\nCommenced s 16: 1 July 2014; s 18: 1 December 2014; rem: 2 June 2014,\n(s 2)\nFirearms Amendment Act 2014 (Act No. 32, 2014)\nAssent date 13 November 2014\nCommenced 13 November 2014\nStatute Law Revision Act 2014 (Act No. 38, 2014)\nAssent date 13 November 2014\nCommenced 13 November 2014\nLocal Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 8, 2016)\nAssent date 6 April 2016\nCommenced 1 May 2016 (s 2, s 2 Local Court (Repeals and Related\nAmendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 9, 2016) and Gaz S34,\n29 April 2016)\nJustice Legislation Amendment (Drug Offences) Act 2016 (Act No. 17, 2016)\nAssent date 8 June 2016\nCommenced s 17 (to ext ins new s 15): 10 October 2016; rem: 18 July 2016\n(Gaz S67, 18 July 2016)\nFirearms and Weapons Control Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Act No. 27, 2016)\nAssent date 13 July 2016\nCommenced 12 October 2016 (Gaz G41, 12 October 2016, p 2)\nFirearms Legislation Amendment Act 2019 (Act No. 38, 2019)\nAssent date 13 December 2019\nCommenced 2 March 2020 (Gaz S8, 28 February 2020)\nStatute Law Revision Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020)\nAssent date 19 November 2020\nCommenced 20 November 2020\nCriminal Code Amendment (Property Offences) Act 2022 (Act No. 24, 2022)\nAssent date 31 October 2022\nCommenced 30 April 2023 (Gaz G8, 13 April 2023, p 1)\nCriminal Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences) Act 2023 (Act No. 20, 2023)\nAssent date 17 August 2023\nCommenced 25 March 2024 (Gaz S20, 22 March 2024)\n\nENDNOTES\nFirearms Regulations 1997 37\nStatute Law Amendment (NTCAT Conferral of Jurisdiction) Act 2023 (Act No. 24, 2023)\nAssent date 21 September 2023\nCommenced 27 November 2023 (Gaz G24, 23 November 2023, p 2)\nFirearms and Weapons Control Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (Act No. 32, 2023)\nAssent date 6 December 2023\nCommenced pt 3: nc; rem: 7 December 2023 (s 2(1))\nFirearms and Weapons Control Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL No. 4, 2024)\nDate made 27 March 2024\nCommenced pt 3: nc; rem: 28 March 2024 (r 2(1))\nFirearms Amendment Regulations (SL No. 6, 2024)\nDate made 16 May 2024\nCommenced 17 May 2024 (r 2)\n3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS\nGeneral amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table\nof amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation\nAmendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) to: rr 1, 1A, 3, 5 and 8 and sch 1.\n4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS\nr 1A ins No. 58, 2000, r 2\namd Act No. 19, 2004, s 34; Act No. 4, 2007, s 2; Act No. 17, 2016, s 46; Act\nNo. 38, 2019, s 19; Act No. 24, 2022, s 35; Act No. 20, 2023, s 54;\nNo. 6, 2024, r 4\nr 1B ins No. 58, 2000, r 2\namd Act No. 62, 2001, s 17; Act No. 4, 2007, s 2; Act No. 38, 2019, s 20; Act\nNo. 24, 2022, s 35; Act No. 20, 2023, s 54; No. 6, 2024, r 5\nr 5 amd Act No. 19, 2014, s 26\nr 8 amd Act No. 19, 2014, s 26; Act No. 32, 2023, s 30\nr 11A ins No. 58, 2000, r 3\namd Act No. 62, 2001, s 17; Act No. 32, 2023, s 31\nr 12 amd No. 58, 2000, r 4; Act No. 17, 2007, s 30; Act No. 32, 2023, s 32\nr 13 amd No. 58, 2000, r 5; Act No. 32, 2023, s 33\nr 14 amd No. 58, 2000, r 6; No. 4, 2024, r 4\nr 18 amd No. 6, 2024, r 6\nr 18 amd No. 58, 2000, r 7;\nr 19 amd No. 58, 2000, r 8\nr 19A ins No. 58, 2000, r 9\nr 20A ins No. 6, 2024, r 7\nr 21 amd No. 58, 2000, r 10; Act No. 27, 2016, s 10; Act No. 26, 2020, s 3;\nNo. 6, 2024, r 8\nr 22 amd No. 58, 2000, r 11; Act No. 27, 2016, s 11, No. 6, 2024 ,r 9\nr 22A ins No. 6, 2024, r 10\nr 25AA ins No. 36, 2003, r 3\nrr 25A – 25B ins No. 58, 2000, r 12\nr 25D ins No. 58, 2000, r 13\nr 27 amd No. 58, 2000, r 14; No. 36, 2003, r 4\nr 28 amd No. 58, 2000, r 15\nrep No. 36, 2003, r 5\nr 29 amd No. 58, 2000, r 16\nrep No. 36, 2003, r 5\nr 31 amd No. 58, 2000, r 17\n\nENDNOTES\nFirearms Regulations 1997 38\nrep Act No. 24, 2023, s 86\nr 32 sub No. 58, 2000, r 18\nr 33 amd No. 45, 2000, r 1; No. 6, 2024, r 11\nr 34 ins No. 45, 2000, r 2\npt 5 hdg ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\nrr 35 – 36 ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\nr 37 ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\namd Act No. 32, 2023, s 35\nrr 38 – 39 ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\npt 5A hdg ins Act No. 17, 2007, s 31\nrr 39A – 39D ins Act No. 17, 2007, s 31\npt 6 hdg ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\nrr 40 – 41 ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\nr 42 ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\namd Act No. 8, 2016, s 45\nrr 43 – 46 ins No. 36, 2003, r 6\nsch 1 amd No. 58, 2000, r 19; No. 36, 2003, r 7\nrep Act No. 24, 2023, s 87\nsch 2 ins No. 58, 2000, r 20\nsch 3 ins No. 58, 2000, r 20\namd Act No. 32, 2023, s 36\nsch 4 ins No. 36, 2003, r 8\namd Act No. 17, 2007, s 32; Act No. 23, 2013, s 3; Act No. 32, 2014, s 5; Act\nNo. 38, 2014, s 2","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Regulations' scope has been extended and refined since 1997. Examples in the instrument show new subject-matter added (paintball provisions rr39A–39D inserted by the Firearms Amendment (Paintball) Act 2007), additional ammunition storage rules (r22A inserted by SL No.6, 2024), and recurring updates to the lists of disqualifying offences and offences of violence (rr1A–1B amended across multiple Acts). Endnotes record multiple later amending Acts and regulations that broaden or tighten licensing, storage and operational requirements."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple firearm categories (A, B, C, D, H and paintball) with distinct eligibility and licence conditions (regs 12–14, 36–39A).","Heavy use of Commissioner 'satisfaction' and discretionary decision-making on genuine need and approvals (regs 12–14, 16–17, 23).","Detailed, technical storage and safekeeping specifications and variants set out in Schedules 2–3 and many specialised rules for dealers, armourers, clubs, museums and collectors (rr21–25A, Schs 2–3).","Cross-references to the Criminal Code and other Acts to define disqualifying offences and offences of violence, with thresholds tied to custodial sentences and aggravating circumstances (rr1A–1B).","Administrative and recordkeeping burdens for dealers and employers, including register entries and reporting (rr23, 27).","An infringement notice regime with prescribed offences and penalty-unit amounts in Schedule 4 (Pt 6, Sch 4).","Participation and equipment thresholds for sports shooting and specially accredited disciplines, which impose numerical activity requirements (rr35–39).","Recent, iterative amendments and insertions that change technical detail and scope (endnotes list multiple amending Acts and SLs)."],"plain_english_summary":"These Regulations set out who can hold which firearm licences, what counts as a genuine reason, the technical storage and safekeeping rules for firearms and ammunition, dealer/armourer/collector obligations, permitted sporting and paintball equipment, and the infringement/penalty scheme. They affect anyone who possesses, trades, transports, displays or stores firearms in the Northern Territory. They matter because the instrument creates specific administrative checks, security costs, reporting duties and discretionary decision points for the Commissioner and police."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has grown significantly beyond its original 1997 scope. The Endnotes reveal substantial expansion through amendments adding: paintball regulation (2007), Category H sports shooting disciplines (2003), infringement notice schemes (2003), antique firearms collector provisions (2003), and updated storage requirements (2024). The original regulations appear to have been a basic framework that has been progressively layered with new firearm categories, new licence types, and new recreational activities (paintball), indicating scope creep from basic licensing and storage rules to comprehensive regulation of multiple shooting sports and commercial activities."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross-references to the Criminal Code and other NT legislation (e.g., Public Sector Employment and Management Act 1993, Misuse of Drugs Act 1990)","Extensive lists of disqualifying offences and offences of violence with conditional logic (e.g., 'if a custodial sentence is imposed', 'unless the circumstance of aggravation... exists')","Nested categorisation system for firearms (Categories A, B, C, D, H) with different rules applying to each","Detailed technical specifications for storage receptacles (steel thickness measurements in millimetres, hinge types, locking bolt numbers)","Multiple licence types (dealer, armourer, collector, museum, corporate, employee, heirloom, paintball operator) each with unique conditions","Temporal complexity with references to offences 'as in force before the commencement of' specific amendment Acts","Conditional exceptions within storage requirements (e.g., regulation 20A exemption for military firearms rendered inoperable)","Participation rate calculations for Category H sports shooting (base rate plus increments for additional disciplines)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese are the **Firearms Regulations 1997** for the Northern Territory. They set out the detailed rules for who can get a firearms licence, what conditions apply, and how guns must be stored and transported. Think of them as the \"instruction manual\" that sits underneath the main Firearms Act 1997.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n*   **Individual gun owners** – anyone wanting a licence for sport, hunting, farming, collecting, or work\n*   **Businesses** – firearms dealers, armourers (gunsmiths), paintball operators, museums, and security companies\n*   **Clubs and organisations** – shooting clubs and collectors' societies\n*   **International visitors** – competitors bringing firearms into Australia\n\n**Key things covered:**\n\n*   **Getting a licence:** You need a \"genuine reason\" (such as sport, farming, or work) and must meet specific requirements for each category of firearm. Category C, D, and H firearms (more powerful or concealable weapons) have extra restrictions.\n*   **Safe storage:** Detailed rules for steel cabinets, safes, locks, and bolts depending on firearm type. Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms, with different locks.\n*   **Transport:** Guns must be hidden and secured when left unattended in vehicles; ammunition kept separately.\n*   **Paintball:** Specific rules for paintball guns, pellets, and operator licences.\n*   **Infringement notices:** Police can issue on-the-spot fines for minor breaches (like paperwork errors or storage failures that don't result in theft).\n*   **Disqualifying offences:** Lists specific criminal convictions that ban you from holding a licence, including violent crimes and serious drug offences.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese regulations aim to balance public safety with legitimate firearm use. They create a strict licensing system where only suitable people can access guns, ensure weapons are stored securely to prevent theft, and establish clear penalties for non-compliance. For law-abiding owners, it provides the rules needed to stay legal; for the community, it adds layers of protection against misuse."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available metadata, this appears to be a reprint of existing regulations rather than a substantive amendment changing scope. A reprint consolidates prior amendments into a single readable document but does not itself alter the policy intent or subject matter of the original 1997 regulations. The core scope — regulating firearms ownership, licensing, registration, and storage in the Northern Territory — remains unchanged from the original instrument."},"complexity_factors":["Regulations sit beneath primary legislation (Firearms Act), requiring cross-referencing between the two instruments to understand the full legal picture","Multiple licence categories and permit types create a layered system of entitlements and obligations","Technical definitions of firearm types and categories require specialist knowledge to apply correctly","Compliance obligations span multiple groups (individuals, dealers, clubs, primary producers) with different rules applying to each","This is a reprint (version 6), meaning the document consolidates numerous amendments over time — users must ensure they are reading the current version","Intersection with Commonwealth firearms laws (the National Firearms Agreement) adds another layer of complexity","Criminal and administrative consequences for non-compliance (licence cancellation, seizure, prosecution) raise the practical stakes of getting it wrong","Northern Territory-specific context means rules differ from other Australian jurisdictions, which can confuse people who have moved interstate"],"plain_english_summary":"These Northern Territory regulations set the practical rules for owning, using, registering, storing and trading firearms under the Firearms Act, and are administered by NT Police. They affect anyone who owns, buys, sells, stores or uses firearms — including dealers, clubs, ranges and rural users — and set licence, safety and fee requirements. Non‑compliance can lead to licence loss, seizure or criminal charges. This is the 2024 consolidated reprint."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-1997","history":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-1997/history","analysis":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-1997/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-1997/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-1997/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/firearms-regulations-1997/documents"}}