{"id":"a-1996-75","name":"Prohibited Weapons Act 1996","slug":"prohibited-weapons-act-1996","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"75 of 1996","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":24137,"registerId":"act-a-1996-75-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prohibited Weapons Act 1996","content":"Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nA1996-75\nRepublication No 23\nEffective: 26 November 2025\nRepublication date: 26 November 2025\nLast amendment made by A2025-29\n\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAbout this republication\nThe republished law\nThis is a republication of the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 (including any amendment made\nunder the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 26 November 2025.\nIt also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law\nto 26 November 2025.\nThe legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3\nand 4.\nKinds of republications\nThe Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT\nlegislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):\n• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies\n• unauthorised republications.\nThe status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.\nEditorial changes\nThe Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial\namendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.\nEditorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by\nan Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The\nchanges are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into\nline, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.\nThis republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).\nUncommenced provisions and amendments\nIf a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately\nbefore the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law\nare accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more\ninformation, see the home page for this law on the register.\nModifications\nIf a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the\nsymbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying\nprovision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation\nAct 2001, section 95.\nPenalties\nAt the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an\nindividual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).\n\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\ncontents 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nContents\nPage\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act 2\n2 Dictionary 2\n2A Notes 2\n2B Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 3\n3 Meaning of possession—Act 3\n3A Evidence of possession—prohibited weapons or articles at premises 4\n3B Evidence of possession—care, control or management of prohibited\nweapon or article 5\n4 Application of Act 5\nPart 1A Important concepts\n4A Meaning of prohibited weapon—Act 7\n4B Meaning of prohibited article—Act 8\n\nContents\nPage\ncontents 2 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1B Unregulated weapons\n4C Meaning of unregulated weapon—Act 9\n4CA Meaning of connected—pt 1B 9\n4D Unregulated weapons—seizure by police 9\n4E Unregulated weapons—receipt for seizure 10\n4F Unregulated weapons—examination 10\n4G Unregulated weapons—access to things seized 11\n4H Unregulated weapons—review of decision to seize 11\n4I Unregulated weapons—forfeiture 12\nPart 1C Minister’s guidelines\n4K Minister’s guidelines 13\nPart 1D Declarations about prohibited articles and\nweapons\n4L Prohibited articles and weapons declarations by registrar 14\n4M Effect of certain declarations 14\nPart 2 Offences\n5 Offence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited weapons 15\n6 Offence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited articles 15\n6A Declarations about authorised possession and use of laser pointers 16\n6B Guidelines for declarations under section 6A 16\n7 Inspection of prohibited weapons or articles by police 17\n8 Offence—disposal of prohibited weapons and articles by unauthorised\nholders 17\nPart 3 Permits\n9 Permits 19\n11 Contravention of conditions 19\n12 Production of permit 19\n13 Surrender of cancelled permit 20\nPart 3A Notification and review of decisions\n14 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 3A 21\n14A Reviewable decision notices 21\n\nContents\nPage\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\ncontents 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n14B Applications for review 21\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n15 Information to be supplied 22\n16 Disposal of surrendered or seized prohibited weapons or prohibited\narticles 22\n17 Evidentiary provisions 23\n17A Determination of fees 23\n18 Approved forms 23\n19 Regulation-making power 23\nSchedule 1 Prohibited weapons 24\nPart 1.1 Prohibited bladed weapons 24\nPart 1.2 Prohibited hand weapons 27\nPart 1.3 Prohibited missile weapons 29\nPart 1.4 Other prohibited weapons 30\nSchedule 2 Prohibited articles 32\nSchedule 3 Reviewable decisions 33\nDictionary 34\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes 36\n2 Abbreviation key 36\n3 Legislation history 37\n4 Amendment history 40\n5 Earlier republications 45\n\n\n\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 1\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nAustralian Capital Territory\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nAn Act to prohibit the possession of certain dangerous weapons and other\narticles, and for related purposes\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 1\npage 2 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1 Preliminary\n1 Name of Act\nThis Act is the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996.\n2 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this\nAct, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined\nelsewhere.\nFor example, the signpost definition, ‘firearm—see the\nFirearms Act 1996, section 6.’ means that the term ‘firearm’ is defined in\nthat section and the definition applies to this Act.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to\nthe entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,\nprovides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see\nLegislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).\n2A Notes\nA note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n\nPreliminary Part 1\nSection 2B\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 3\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n2B Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\nOther legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.\nNote 1 Criminal Code\nThe Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to the following offences against this\nAct (see Code, pt 2.1):\n• s 5 (Offence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited\nweapons)\n• s 6 (Offence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited articles)\n• s 8 (Offence—disposal of prohibited weapons and articles by\nunauthorised holders).\nThe chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility\n(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used\nfor offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,\nrecklessness and strict liability).\nNote 2 Penalty units\nThe Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties\nthat are expressed in penalty units.\n3 Meaning of possession—Act\n(1) For this Act, a person has possession of a prohibited weapon or\nprohibited article if the person—\n(a) has the weapon or article on their person, including in something\ncarried or worn by the person (physical possession); or\n(b) has the weapon or article at premises owned, leased or occupied\nby the person; or\n(c) otherwise has the care, control or management of the weapon or\narticle.\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 3A\npage 4 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) Also, for this Act, a person has possession of a prohibited weapon or\nprohibited article if—\n(a) part of the weapon or article is in the person’s possession; and\n(b) other parts of the weapon or article are in the possession of 1 or\nmore other people; and\n(c) at least 1 of the other people is in possession of the other part or\nparts for an agreed purpose with the person; and\n(d) the parts would make up the weapon or article if fitted together.\n3A Evidence of possession—prohibited weapons or articles\nat premises\n(1) For this Act, a person is not taken to have possession of a prohibited\nweapon or prohibited article only because the weapon or article is at\npremises owned, leased or occupied by the person if—\n(a) the person does not know that the weapon or article is at the\npremises; or\n(b) someone else who is authorised to possess the weapon or\narticle—\n(i) is also at the premises; or\n(ii) has the care, control or management of the weapon or\narticle; or\n(c) someone else who is not authorised to possess the weapon or\narticle has the care, control or management of the weapon or\narticle; or\n(d) the trier of fact is otherwise satisfied that the person was not in\npossession of the weapon or article.\n(2) To remove any doubt, a defendant to a prosecution for an offence\nagainst this Act who wishes to rely on a matter mentioned in\nsubsection (1) has the evidential burden in relation to the matter.\n\nPreliminary Part 1\nSection 3B\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 5\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3B Evidence of possession—care, control or management of\nprohibited weapon or article\n(1) To work out whether a person has the care, control or management of\na prohibited weapon or prohibited article for this Act, each of the\nfollowing must be considered:\n(a) whether the person knows about the weapon or article;\n(b) whether the person can use or dispose of the weapon or article;\n(c) whether the person can control or prevent someone else from\nusing or having physical possession of the weapon or article.\n(2) In this section:\nphysical possession—see section 3 (1) (a).\n4 Application of Act\n(1) A person does not commit an offence against this Act only because\nof something done by the person in the exercise of the person’s\nfunctions as a member of—\n(a) the Australian Federal Police or a police force of a State or\nanother Territory; or\n(b) a police service or force of a foreign country required to possess\nor use a prohibited weapon or prohibited article for taking part\nin a training activity—\n(i) conducted by the Australian Federal Police; and\n(ii) carried out in the ACT; or\n(c) the Defence Force; or\n(d) a visiting force within the meaning of the Defence (Visiting\nForces) Act 1963 (Cwlth); or\n(e) the Australian Cadet Corps established under the Defence\nAct 1903 (Cwlth); or\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\nSection 4\npage 6 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(f) the council of the Australian War Memorial or of the staff of the\nmemorial who, in the exercise of their functions and duties in\naccordance with the Australian War Memorial Act 1980\n(Cwlth), has in their possession a prohibited weapon, forming\npart of the memorial collection within the meaning of that Act;\nor\n(g) the council of the National Museum of Australia or of the staff\nof the museum who, in the exercise of their functions and duties\nin accordance with the National Museum of Australia Act 1980\n(Cwlth), has in their possession a prohibited weapon forming\npart of the memorial collection under that Act.\nNote A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments\nmade or in force under the Act, including regulations and permits (see\nLegislation Act 2001, s 104).\n(2) Also, a person does not commit an offence against this Act only\nbecause of something done by the person in the exercise of the\nperson’s functions as—\n(a) a corrections officer; or\n(b) an aviation security inspector under the Aviation Transport\nSecurity Act 2004 (Cwlth).\nNote Exercise, function and corrections officer are defined in the Legislation\nAct, dict, pt 1.\n\nImportant concepts Part 1A\nSection 4A\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 7\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1A Important concepts\n4A Meaning of prohibited weapon—Act\n(1) In this Act:\nprohibited weapon—\n(a) means—\n(i) a weapon or thing described in schedule 1; and\n(ii) a weapon or thing prescribed by regulation; and\n(iii) something declared to be a prohibited weapon under\nsection 4L; and\n(b) includes a modified prohibited weapon.\n(2) However, prohibited weapon does not include something declared\nnot to be a prohibited weapon under section 4L.\n(3) A regulation may amend schedule 1—\n(a) by adding the name or description of a weapon or thing; or\n(b) by amending a name or description of a prohibited weapon to\nmore accurately describe the weapon; or\n(c) by omitting the name and description of a prohibited weapon.\n(4) In this section:\nmodified prohibited weapon means a weapon or thing that would be\na prohibited weapon if—\n(a) it did not have something missing from it, or a defect or\nobstruction; or\n(b) something had not been added to it.\n\nPart 1A Important concepts\nSection 4B\npage 8 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4B Meaning of prohibited article—Act\n(1) In this Act:\nprohibited article—\n(a) means—\n(i) an article described in schedule 2; and\n(ii) an article prescribed by regulation; and\n(iii) something declared to be a prohibited article under section\n4L; and\n(b) includes a modified prohibited article.\n(2) However, prohibited article does not include something declared not\nto be a prohibited article under section 4L.\n(3) A regulation may amend schedule 2—\n(a) by adding the name or description of an article; or\n(b) by amending a name or description of a prohibited article to\nmore accurately describe the article; or\n(c) by omitting the name and description of a prohibited article.\n(4) In this section:\nmodified prohibited article means an article that would be a\nprohibited article if—\n(a) it did not have something missing from it, or a defect or\nobstruction; or\n(b) something had not been added to it.\n\nUnregulated weapons Part 1B\nSection 4C\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 9\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1B Unregulated weapons\n4C Meaning of unregulated weapon—Act\nIn this Act:\nunregulated weapon—a thing is an unregulated weapon if—\n(a) the thing is designed, made or altered to be used as a weapon;\nand\n(b) the only practical use of the thing is as a weapon; and\n(c) the thing is not a prohibited weapon; and\n(d) the possession or use of the thing is not authorised under this\nAct.\n4CA Meaning of connected—pt 1B\nIn this part:\nconnected—a thing is connected with an offence if—\n(a) the offence has been committed in relation to it; or\n(b) it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence; or\n(c) it was used, is being used, or is intended to be used, to commit\nthe offence.\n4D Unregulated weapons—seizure by police\nA police officer may seize a thing if the police officer believes on\nreasonable grounds that the thing is an unregulated weapon and that\nthe seizure is necessary—\n(a) because the thing would pose a risk to the safety of anyone if\nused; and\n(b) to prevent the thing from being used or concealed, lost or\ndestroyed.\n\nPart 1B Unregulated weapons\nSection 4E\npage 10 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4E Unregulated weapons—receipt for seizure\n(1) A police officer who seizes a thing under section 4D must give a\nreceipt for the thing to the person from whom it was seized.\n(2) If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1),\nthe police officer must leave the receipt, secured conspicuously, at the\npremises where it was seized (the place of seizure).\n(3) The receipt must include the following:\n(a) a description of the thing seized;\n(b) an explanation of why the thing was seized;\n(c) the police officer’s name, and how to contact the officer;\n(d) if the thing is removed from the place of seizure under\nsection 4F—the address of the place to which the thing is\nremoved.\n4F Unregulated weapons—examination\n(1) A police officer who seizes a thing under section 4D (Unregulated\nweapons—seizure by police) may remove the thing from the premises\nwhere it was seized to another place for examination or processing,\nfor not longer than 7 days (the 7-day period).\n(2) A police officer may apply to the Magistrates Court for an extension\nof the 7-day period if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that\nthe thing cannot be examined or processed within that time.\n(3) The police officer must, if practicable, give notice of the application\nto the person from whom the thing was seized, and the person is\nentitled to be heard on the application.\n(4) The court may order the extension if satisfied on reasonable grounds\nthat the thing cannot be examined or processed within the 7-day\nperiod.\n\nUnregulated weapons Part 1B\nSection 4G\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 11\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(5) If a thing is moved to another place under this section, the police\nofficer must, if practicable, tell the person from whom the thing was\nseized (or the person’s representative) the results of the examination\nor processing.\n4G Unregulated weapons—access to things seized\nA person who would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to inspect a\nthing seized under section 4D (Unregulated weapons—seizure by\npolice) may inspect it.\n4H Unregulated weapons—review of decision to seize\n(1) The registrar must review each seizure under section 4D\n(Unregulated weapons—seizure by police) and order the return of the\nthing to the person from whom it was seized if—\n(a) when seized, the thing was not—\n(i) an unregulated weapon; or\n(ii) a prohibited weapon; or\n(b) within 30 days after the day of seizure, the thing is not a\nprohibited weapon; or\n(c) the registrar has no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing\nis connected with an offence against any of the following:\n(i) this Act;\n(ii) the Firearms Act 1996;\n(iii) the Crimes Act 1900;\n(iv) the Criminal Code;\n(v) another law prescribed by regulation.\n\nPart 1B Unregulated weapons\nSection 4I\npage 12 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(2) If a thing is ordered to be returned under subsection (1) to the person\nfrom whom it was seized, but it cannot be returned, the Territory must\npay reasonable compensation to the owner of the thing for its loss.\n(3) In this section:\noffence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for\nbelieving has been, is being or will be, committed.\n4I Unregulated weapons—forfeiture\n(1) A thing seized under section 4D (Unregulated weapons—seizure by\npolice) is forfeited to the Territory if there is no requirement under\nsection 4H—\n(a) to return the thing to the person from whom it was seized; or\n(b) to pay compensation for the thing.\n(2) A thing forfeited to the Territory may be destroyed or otherwise\ndisposed of as the director-general directs.\n\nMinister’s guidelines Part 1C\nSection 4K\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 13\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1C Minister’s guidelines\n4K Minister’s guidelines\n(1) The Minister may make guidelines about the making of a decision by\nthe registrar under section 4L.\n(2) The registrar must comply with any guidelines under this section.\n(3) A guideline is a disallowable instrument.\n\nPart 1D Declarations about prohibited articles and weapons\nSection 4L\npage 14 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1D Declarations about prohibited\narticles and weapons\n4L Prohibited articles and weapons declarations by registrar\n(1) The registrar may, in accordance with any guidelines under\nsection 4K (Minister’s guidelines), do any of the following:\n(a) declare something to be a prohibited article;\n(b) declare an unregulated weapon to be a prohibited weapon;\n(c) declare that something is not a prohibited article or prohibited\nweapon.\n(2) A declaration remains in force for 3 months.\n(3) A declaration is a disallowable instrument.\n(4) The registrar must give additional public notice of the declaration.\nNote Public notice means notice on an ACT Government website or in a daily\nnewspaper circulating in the ACT (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1). The\nrequirement in s (4) is in addition to the requirement for notification on\nthe legislation register as a disallowable instrument.\n4M Effect of certain declarations\nA person does not commit an offence against this Act in relation to\nthe possession or use of a thing that is the subject of a declaration\nunder section 4L (1) (a) or (b) if the elements of the offence happen\nless than 2 days after the day the declaration is notified under the\nLegislation Act.\n\nOffences Part 2\nSection 5\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 15\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 2 Offences\n5 Offence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited\nweapons\nA person commits an offence if the person—\n(a) possesses or uses a prohibited weapon; and\n(b) is not authorised by a permit, or otherwise under this Act, to\npossess or use the weapon.\nMaximum penalty: 500 penalty units, imprisonment for 5 years or\nboth.\nNote A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments\nmade or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation\nAct, s 104).\n6 Offence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited\narticles\nA person commits an offence if the person—\n(a) possesses or uses a prohibited article; and\n(b) is not authorised by a permit, or otherwise under this Act, to\npossess or use the article.\nMaximum penalty: 200 penalty units, imprisonment for 2 years or\nboth.\nNote A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments\nmade or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation\nAct, s 104).\n\nPart 2 Offences\nSection 6A\npage 16 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n6A Declarations about authorised possession and use of\nlaser pointers\n(1) The registrar may, in accordance with any guidelines under\nsection 6B, declare that the possession or use of a laser pointer is\nauthorised.\nNote 1 A power to make a statutory instrument includes power to make different\nprovision in relation to different matters or different classes of matters\n(see Legislation Act, s 48).\nNote 2 A reference to an Act includes a reference to a provision of an Act (see\nLegislation Act, s 7 (3)).\n(2) A declaration may provide for the authorisation—\n(a) to apply generally or in a particular case; or\n(b) to be conditional.\n(3) A declaration is a disallowable instrument.\n(4) In this section:\nlaser pointer means a prohibited weapon that is a hand-held article,\ncommonly known as a laser pointer, designed or adapted to emit a\nlaser beam with an accessible emission level of greater than 1mW.\n6B Guidelines for declarations under section 6A\n(1) The Minister may make guidelines about the making of a declaration\nunder section 6A.\n(2) The registrar must comply with any guidelines under this section.\n(3) A guideline is a disallowable instrument.\n\nOffences Part 2\nSection 7\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 17\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n7 Inspection of prohibited weapons or articles by police\n(1) A person who possesses a prohibited weapon or prohibited article\nmust, on demand made by a police officer at any time, produce for\ninspection by that officer—\n(a) the weapon or article; and\n(b) any permit that authorises the person to possess the weapon or\narticle.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n(2) A person commits an offence against subsection (1) only if the police\nofficer, when making the demand, explains to the person that failure\nto comply with the demand is an offence against this Act.\n(3) In subsection (1), a reference to a prohibited weapon or a prohibited\narticle includes a reference to a part of a prohibited weapon or a\nprohibited article.\n8 Offence—disposal of prohibited weapons and articles by\nunauthorised holders\n(1) A person commits an offence if—\n(a) the person has possession of a prohibited weapon or prohibited\narticle; and\n(b) the person is not, or is no longer, authorised by a permit or\notherwise under this Act to possess the weapon or article; and\n(c) within 7 days after the day the person comes into possession of,\nor is no longer authorised to possess, the weapon or article, the\nperson fails—\n(i) to surrender the weapon or article to a police officer; or\n\nPart 2 Offences\nSection 8\npage 18 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(ii) to dispose of the weapon or article to someone who is\nauthorised by a permit to possess it.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or\nboth.\n(2) A person does not contravene any other provision of this Act because\nthe person—\n(a) disposed of or surrendered a prohibited weapon or prohibited\narticle in accordance with this section; or\n(b) accepted a prohibited weapon or prohibited article under this\nsection.\n\nPermits Part 3\nSection 9\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 19\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3 Permits\n9 Permits\n(1) The registrar may issue a permit authorising the possession or use\nof—\n(a) a prohibited weapon; or\n(b) a prohibited article.\n(2) The regulations may provide for mandatory or discretionary grounds\nfor refusing the issue of a permit.\n(3) A permit may be issued subject to conditions.\n(4) The conditions may provide for the expiration of the permit, limit the\nauthority it confers and impose requirements on the person to whom\nthe permit is issued.\n(5) The registrar may, for any reason the registrar considers sufficient,\ncancel a permit by causing written notice of its cancellation to be\nserved on the person to whom the permit was issued.\n(6) A person to whom a permit was issued may surrender the permit for\ncancellation.\n11 Contravention of conditions\nA person to whom a permit is issued must not contravene any\nrequirement made by the conditions of a permit.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n12 Production of permit\n(1) A person to whom a permit is issued must, on demand of a police\nofficer at any time—\n(a) produce the permit for inspection by the police officer if the\nperson has the permit in their possession; or\n\nPart 3 Permits\nSection 13\npage 20 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) state the person’s full name and usual place of residence to the\npolice officer.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or\nboth.\n(2) A person commits an offence against subsection (1) only if the police\nofficer, when making the demand, explains to the person that failure\nto comply with the demand is an offence against this Act.\n13 Surrender of cancelled permit\nIf a permit is cancelled or expires, the person to whom it was issued\nmust within 7 days of that cancellation or expiry, surrender it to the\nregistrar.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or\nboth.\n\nNotification and review of decisions Part 3A\nSection 14\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 21\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 3A Notification and review of\ndecisions\n14 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 3A\nIn this part:\nreviewable decision means a decision mentioned in\nschedule 3, column 3 under a provision of this Act mentioned in\ncolumn 2 in relation to the decision.\n14A Reviewable decision notices\nIf a person makes a reviewable decision, the person must give a\nreviewable decision notice to each entity mentioned in schedule 3,\ncolumn 4 in relation to the decision.\nNote The person must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision\nnotice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision\n(see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).\n14B Applications for review\nThe following may apply to the ACAT for a review of a reviewable\ndecision:\n(a) an entity mentioned in schedule 3, column 4 in relation to the\ndecision;\n(b) any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\nSection 15\npage 22 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n15 Information to be supplied\nA person who has possession of a prohibited weapon or prohibited\narticle acquired from another person must, on demand made by a\npolice officer at any time, inform the police officer of—\n(a) the name and address of the person from whom the weapon or\narticle was acquired; and\n(b) the date on which it was acquired.\nMaximum penalty: 50 penalty units.\n16 Disposal of surrendered or seized prohibited weapons or\nprohibited articles\n(1) A magistrate may, on application by a police officer or by any person\nwho claims to be the owner of a prohibited weapon or prohibited\narticle surrendered to or seized by a police officer in accordance with\nthis Act, order that the weapon or article—\n(a) be forfeited to the Territory; or\n(b) be returned to the person claiming to be the owner of the weapon\nor article; or\n(c) be otherwise disposed of in such manner as the court thinks fit.\n(2) If a person is found guilty of an offence against this Act and a weapon\nor article has been seized by a police officer in connection with the\noffence, the court which makes the finding of guilt is taken to have\nordered that the weapon or article be forfeited to the Territory.\nNote Found guilty—see the Legislation Act, dictionary, pt 1.\n(3) A weapon or article forfeited under subsection (2) may be destroyed.\n\nMiscellaneous Part 4\nSection 17\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 23\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n17 Evidentiary provisions\nA certificate signed by the registrar stating the following is evidence\nof the matter stated:\n(a) at a stated time or during a stated period, a stated person was, or\nwas not, the holder of a stated permit (or of a permit for a stated\nprohibited weapon or prohibited article);\n(b) a permit was or was not, on a day or during a stated period,\nsubject to a stated condition.\n17A Determination of fees\n(1) The Minister may determine fees for this Act.\n(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.\n18 Approved forms\n(1) The registrar may approve forms for this Act.\n(2) If the registrar approves a form for a particular purpose, the approved\nform must be used for that purpose.\n(3) An approved form is a notifiable instrument.\n19 Regulation-making power\n(1) The Executive may make regulations for this Act.\n(2) The regulations may prescribe offences for contraventions of the\nregulations and prescribe maximum penalties of not more than\n10 penalty units for offences against the regulations.\n\nSchedule 1 Prohibited weapons\nPart 1.1 Prohibited bladed weapons\npage 24 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nSchedule 1 Prohibited weapons\n(see s 4A)\nPart 1.1 Prohibited bladed weapons\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n1 a flick knife or other similar device that has a blade folded or\nrecessed into the handle which opens automatically by—\n(a) gravity or centrifugal force; or\n(b) pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached\nto the handle of the device\n2 a sheath knife or other similar device that has a sheath that\nwithdraws into the handle by—\n(a) gravity or centrifugal force; or\n(b) pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached\nto the handle of the device\n3 a dagger or other similar device, that has a sharp-pointed stabbing\ninstrument—\n(a) that can be concealed on the person; and\n(b) that—\n(i) has a flat blade with cutting edges (whether serrated\nor non-serrated) along the length of both sides; or\n(ii) has a needle-like blade, the cross section of which is\nelliptical or has three or more sides; and\n(iii) is not a sword or bayonet\nExample\nUrban Skinner push dagger\n\nProhibited weapons Schedule 1\nProhibited bladed weapons Part 1.1\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n4 a butterfly knife, balisong or other similar device that consists of a\nblade (whether single-edged or multi-edged) or spike that—\n(a) fits within 2 handles attached to the blade or spike by\ntransverse pivot points; and\n(b) can be opened by gravity or centrifugal force\n5 a star knife or other similar device that—\n(a) consists of 2 or more angular points, blades or spikes that\nspreads out about a central axis point; and\n(b) is designed to spin around the knife’s central axis point in\nflight when thrown at a target\n6 a trench knife or other similar device that—\n(a) consists of a blade (whether single-edged or multi-edged) or\nspike; and\n(b) is fitted with a handle made of a hard substance; and\n(c) is either made or modified to be fitted over the knuckles of\nthe hand of the user—\n(i) to protect the knuckles; and\n(ii) to increase the effect of a punch or blow\n7 a knife that can discharge a blade as a projectile by a spring\nmechanism or other means (known as a ballistic knife)\n8 a blade, knife or axe that is either made or modified to be thrown\n9 a claw (known as a hand or foot claw) made or modified to be\nattached to or worn on the hand or foot to cause injury to someone\nelse\n\nSchedule 1 Prohibited weapons\nPart 1.1 Prohibited bladed weapons\npage 26 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n10 an article or other thing that—\n(a) because of its appearance is capable of being mistaken for\nsomething else that is not a weapon; and\n(b) disguises or conceals within it a single-edged or multi-\nedged blade or spike\nExample\ncredit card knife\n\nProhibited weapons Schedule 1\nProhibited hand weapons Part 1.2\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 27\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1.2 Prohibited hand weapons\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n1 a knuckle-duster or other similar device, made or modified to be\nfitted over the knuckles of the hand of the user—\n(a) to protect the knuckles; and\n(b) to increase the effect of a punch or other blow\n2 a sap glove or other weighted glove (including a fingerless glove)\nmade or modified to be used as a weapon\n3 a studded glove, or other similar hand covering, that incorporates\nprotrusions designed to puncture or bruise the skin\n4 a mace or other similar device (other than a ceremonial mace\nmade for use solely as a symbol of authority on ceremonial\noccasions) that—\n(a) can cause injury; and\n(b) consists of a club or staff fitted with a flanged or spiked\nhead\n5 a flail or other similar device consisting of a staff or handle that\nhas fitted to 1 end, by any means, a freely swinging part armed\nwith spikes or studded with any protruding matter\n6 a whip, the lash of which is comprised completely or partly of\nmetal\n7 a cat-o’-nine-tails or other similar device whether or not it has\n9 lashes\n8 nunchakus or kung-fu sticks or other similar device\n\nSchedule 1 Prohibited weapons\nPart 1.2 Prohibited hand weapons\npage 28 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n9 a side-handled baton or other similar device that—\n(a) consists of a baton, staff or rod; and\n(b) is made of a hard substance; and\n(c) has fitted to 1 side a handle (whether or not permanently\nfixed)\n10 an extendable or telescopic baton, made or modified so that the\nlength of the baton extends by—\n(a) gravity; or\n(b) centrifugal force; or\n(c) pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached\nto the handle of the baton\n\nProhibited weapons Schedule 1\nProhibited missile weapons Part 1.3\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 29\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1.3 Prohibited missile weapons\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n1 a spear gun with an overall length of less than 45cm when\nunloaded\n2 a hunting sling, catapult or sling shot made or modified for use\nwith, or a component part of which is, a brace that—\n(a) fits or rests on the forearm or other part of the body; and\n(b) supports the wrist or forearm against the tension of the\nmaterial used to propel a projectile\nExample\na Saunders ‘falcon’ hunting sling\n3 a crossbow or other similar device manufactured on or after\n1 January 1900\n4 a blow gun, blow-pipe or dart projector that consists of a pipe or\ntube through which a dart or other device can be projected by—\n(a) the exhaled breath of the user; or\n(b) the use of an elasticised band; or\n(c) means other than by an explosive\n5 a shark dart or other similar device designed to expel, on or after\ncontact, a gas or other substance that can cause bodily harm\nExample\na Farallon shark dart\n\nSchedule 1 Prohibited weapons\nPart 1.4 Other prohibited weapons\npage 30 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nPart 1.4 Other prohibited weapons\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n1 an explosive, incendiary, irritant or poison gas—\n(a) bomb; or\n(b) grenade; or\n(c) rocket with a propellant charge of more than 100g; or\n(d) missile with an explosive or incendiary charge of more than\n7g; or\n(e) mine\n2 a device or apparatus made or modified for use with a gas or\nliquid, if the device or apparatus is—\n(a) capable of killing or incapacitating someone; or\n(b) made or modified to kill or incapacitate someone\n3 A flame thrower or any other device of military design that can\npropel ignited incendiary fuel\n4 A hand-held or other electric device designed to administer an\nelectric shock on contact, other than a piece of medical equipment\nor electric prod designed exclusively for use with animals\nExample—hand-held electric device\na taser self-defence weapon\nExamples—other electric device\n1 a taxi protection cushion system\n2 a super safety suitcase\n5 a thing made or intended as a defence or antipersonnel spray that\ncan discharge by any means an irritant (other than an irritant\nmatter mentioned in item 6) in liquid, powder, gas or chemical\nform\n\nProhibited weapons Schedule 1\nOther prohibited weapons Part 1.4\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 31\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n6 a thing made or intended as a defence or antipersonnel spray that\ncan discharge by any means an irritant in liquid, powder, gas or\nchemical form, including but not limited to the following:\n(a) chloroacetophenone, known as CN;\n(b) orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile, known as CS;\n(c) dypenylaminechloroarsone, known as DM or Adamsite;\n(d) oleoresin capsicum, known as OC\n7 an acoustic or light-emitting antipersonnel device made or\nmodified—\n(a) to cause permanent or temporary incapacity or disability to\na person; or\n(b) to otherwise physically disorientate a person\n8 hand-held articles, commonly known as laser pointers, designed\nor adapted to emit a laser beam with an accessible emission level\nof greater than 1mW\n\nSchedule 2 Prohibited articles\npage 32 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nSchedule 2 Prohibited articles\n(see s 4B)\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\ndescription\n1 body armour\n2 a modified article of clothing, accessory or adornment a purpose\nof which is to disguise or conceal a weapon\nExamples—modified articles\n1 a walking stick containing a sword\n2 a riding crop containing a stiletto\n3 a Bowen knife belt\n3 a suppressor\n4 equipment made or modified to make a smoke screen\n5 a trip flare\n6 a rimfire magazine with a capacity of more than 15 rounds\n7 a pistol magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds\n8 a centre-fire self-loading rifle magazine, or shotgun magazine,\nwith a capacity of more than 5 rounds\n9 a detachable centre-fire rifle magazine (other than a centre-fire\nself-loading rifle magazine) with a capacity of more than\n10 rounds\n10 a shotgun tubular magazine extension to extend the capacity of a\nshotgun magazine to more than 5 rounds\n11 a device that converts a firearm so it can fire in a fully automatic\ncondition\n12 a folding, detachable, telescopic or collapsible stock\n\nReviewable decisions Schedule 3\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 33\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nSchedule 3 Reviewable decisions\n(see pt 3A)\ncolumn 1\nitem\ncolumn 2\nsection\ncolumn 3\ndecision\ncolumn 4\nentity\n1 9 (1) refuse to issue\npermit\napplicant for permit\n2 9 (5) cancel permit person who held permit\n\nDictionary\npage 34 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nDictionary\n(see s 2)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis Act.\nNote 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:\n• ACAT\n• ACT\n• corrections officer\n• Criminal Code\n• director-general (see s 163)\n• exercise\n• found guilty\n• function\n• police officer\n• registrar of firearms\n• reviewable decision notice\n• under.\nanti-ballistic means resistant to the penetration of a projectile\ndischarged from a firearm.\nanti-fragmentation means resistant to the penetration of material\ndischarged when an explosive device is detonated.\nbody armour means—\n(a) an article that is designed—\n(i) for anti-ballistic or anti-fragmentation purposes; and\n(ii) to be worn on, or cover, the human body; but\n\nDictionary\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 35\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n(b) does not include any of the following:\n(i) a helmet;\n(ii) an anti-ballistic article designed for sight or hearing\nprotection;\n(iii) a vest or plate carrier designed to hold anti-ballistic or anti-\nfragmentation protection but without the anti-ballistic or\nanti-fragmentation protection included in the vest or plate\ncarrier.\nconnected with an offence, for part 1B (Unregulated weapons)—see\nsection 4CA.\ndispose, of a prohibited weapon or article, means sell, give away or\notherwise transfer possession of the weapon or article.\nfirearm—see the Firearms Act 1996, section 6.\npermit means a permit under part 3.\npossession—see section 3.\npremises means the whole or any part of any land, building or other\nstructure, vehicle, vessel, aircraft or place.\nprohibited article—see section 4B.\nprohibited weapon—see section 4A.\nregistrar means the registrar of firearms.\nreviewable decision, for part 3A (Notification and review of\ndecisions)—see section 14.\nsuppressor means an article or device intended for use to muffle,\nreduce or stop the noise created by firing a firearm.\nunregulated weapon—see section 4C.\n\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\npage 36 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nEndnotes\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 37\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n3 Legislation history\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996 A1996-75\nnotified 20 December 1996 (Gaz 1998 No S328)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 1996 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 22 May 1997 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1997 No S140)\nas amended by\nProhibited Weapons Regulations 1997 SL1997-12\nnotified 19 May 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S137)\ncommenced 22 May 1997 (s 2)\nLegislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 301\nnotified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\npt 301 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001\nNo S65)\nCriminal Code (Theft, Fraud, Bribery and Related Offences)\nAmendment Act 2004 A2004-15 sch 2 pt 2.71\nnotified LR 26 March 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.71 commenced 9 April 2004 (s 2 (1))\nSentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2006 A2006-23 sch 1 pt 1.29\nnotified LR 18 May 2006\ns 1, s 2 commenced 18 May 2006 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.29 commenced 2 June 2006 (s 2 (1) and see Crimes\n(Sentence Administration) Act 2005 A2005-59 s 2, Crimes\n(Sentencing) Act 2005 A2005-58, s 2 and LA s 79)\nFirearms Amendment Act 2008 A2008-25 pt 3, sch 1 pt 1.2\nnotified LR 15 July 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 15 July 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\ns 76, s 81 commenced 16 July 2008 (s 2 (2))\ns 71, s 72, s 82, sch 1 amdt 1.14, amdt 1.16 commenced 15 July 2009\n(s 2 (3))\npt 3 remainder, sch 1 pt 1.2 remainder commenced 15 January 2009\n(s 2 (1) and LA s 79)\n\nEndnotes\n3 Legislation history\npage 38 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment\nAct 2008 A2008-36 sch 1 pt 1.41\nnotified LR 4 September 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.41 commenced 15 July 2009 (s 2 (4) and see Firearms\nAmendment Act 2008 A2008-25, s 2 (3))\nJustice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2009\n(No 2) A2009-19 pt 12\nnotified LR 1 September 2009\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 12 commenced 29 September 2009 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2009 A2009-20 sch 3 pt 3.60\nnotified LR 1 September 2009\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.60 commenced 22 September 2009 (s 2)\nJustice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2010\nA2010-13 sch 1 pt 1.5\nnotified LR 31 March 2010\ns 1, s 2 commenced 31 March 2010 (LA s 75 (1))\ns 3 commenced 1 April 2010 (LA s 75AA)\nsch 1 pt 5 commenced 28 April 2010 (s 2 (4))\nAdministrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments)\nAct 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.123\nnotified LR 30 June 2011\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.123 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2013 (No 2) A2013-44 sch 3 pt 3.15\nnotified LR 11 November 2013\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 November 2013 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.15 commenced 25 November 2013 (s 2)\nCrimes Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-3 pt 10\nnotified LR 2 March 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 2 March 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 10 commenced 3 March 2015 (s 2 (1))\n\nEndnotes\nLegislation history 3\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 39\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRed Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33\nsch 1 pt 1.53\nnotified LR 30 September 2015\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.53 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)\nJustice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2016\nA2016-37 sch 1 pt 1.16\nnotified LR 22 June 2016\ns 1, s 2 commenced 22 June 2016 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.16 commenced 29 June 2016 (s 2)\nFirearms and Prohibited Weapons Legislation Amendment Act 2018\nA2018-1 pt 4\nnotified LR 28 February 2018\ns 1, s 2 commenced 28 February 2018 (LA s 75 (1))\nss 28, 29 and 31-34 commenced 1 March 2018 (s 2 (1))\npt 4 remainder commenced 28 March 2018 (s 2 (3))\nCOVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 A2020-11 sch 1 pt 1.17\nnotified LR 7 April 2020\ns 1, s 2 commenced 7 April 2020 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.17 commenced 8 April 2020 (s 2 (1))\nCOVID-19 Emergency Response Legislation Amendment Act 2020\nA2020-14 sch 1 pt 1.23\nnotified LR 13 May 2020\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 30 March 2020 (LA s 75 (2))\nsch 1 pt 1.23 commenced 14 May 2020 (s 2 (1))\nFirearms Legislation Amendment Act 2020 A2020-19 pt 4\nnotified LR 27 May 2020\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 May 2020 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 4 commenced 28 May 2020 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.69, sch 4\npt 4.136\nnotified LR 6 November 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.69, sch 4 pt 4.136 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (3),\n(9))\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 40 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n4 Amendment history\nName of Act\ns 1 sub A2008-25 amdt 1.13\nDictionary\ns 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.3294\nins A2008-25 amdt 1.14\nNotes\ns 2A ins A2008-25 amdt 1.15\nOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\ns 2B ins A2008-25 amdt 1.15\nMeaning of possession—Act\ns 3 sub A2008-25 s 71\nam A2013-44 amdt 3.116; A2025-29 amdt 3.233\nEvidence of possession—prohibited weapons or articles at premises\ns 3A ins A2008-25 s 71\nEvidence of possession—care, control or management of prohibited weapon\nor article\ns 3B ins A2008-25 s 71\nApplication of Act\ns 4 am A2001-44 amdt 1.3295, amdt 1.3296; A2006-23\namdts 1.272-1.275; A2009-19 s 60; pars renum R9 LA;\nA2010-13 amdt 1.27; A2020-19 s 10; A2025-29 amdt 3.233\nImportant concepts\npt 1A hdg ins A2008-25 s 72\nMeaning of prohibited weapon—Act\ns 4A ins A2008-25 s 72\nMeaning of prohibited article—Act\ns 4B ins A2008-25 s 72\nUnregulated weapons\npt 1B hdg ins A2008-25 s 73\nMeaning of unregulated weapon—Act\ns 4C ins A2008-25 s 73\nMeaning of connected—pt 1B\ns 4CA ins A2008-25 s 73\nUnregulated weapons—seizure by police\ns 4D ins A2008-25 s 73\nUnregulated weapons—receipt for seizure\ns 4E ins A2008-25 s 73\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 41\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nUnregulated weapons—examination\ns 4F ins A2008-25 s 73\nUnregulated weapons—access to things seized\ns 4G ins A2008-25 s 73\nUnregulated weapons—review of decision to seize\ns 4H ins A2008-25 s 73\nUnregulated weapons—forfeiture\ns 4I ins A2008-25 s 73\nam A2011-22 amdt 1.356\nMinister’s guidelines\npt 1C hdg ins A2008-25 s 73\nMinister’s guidelines\ns 4K ins A2008-25 s 73\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nDeclarations about prohibited articles and weapons\npt 1D hdg ins A2008-25 s 73\nProhibited articles and weapons declarations by registrar\ns 4L ins A2008-25 s 73\nam A2009-20 amdt 3.165, amdt 3.166; A2015-33 amdt 1.190;\nA2018-1 s 28; A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nEffect of certain declarations\ns 4M ins A2008-25 s 73\nOffences\npt 2 hdg sub A2008-25 s 74\nOffence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited weapons\ns 5 am A2001-44 amdt 1.3297\nsub A2008-25 s 75\nOffence—unauthorised possession or use of prohibited articles\ns 6 am A2001-44 amdt 1.3298\nsub A2008-25 s 75\nDeclarations about authorised possession and use of laser pointers\ns 6A ins A2008-25 s 76\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nGuidelines for declarations under section 6A\ns 6B ins A2008-25 s 76\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nInspection of prohibited weapons or articles by police\ns 7 am A2013-44 amdt 3.117\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 42 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nOffence—disposal of prohibited weapons and articles by unauthorised\nholders\ns 8 sub A2008-25 s 77\nPermits\ns 9 am A2018-1 s 29\nApplications—false or misleading particulars\ns 10 om A2004-15 amdt 2.148\nContravention of conditions\ns 11 am A2013-44 amdt 3.118\nProduction of permit\ns 12 am A2013-44 amdt 3.118; A2025-29 amdt 3.233\nSurrender of cancelled permit\ns 13 am A2013-44 amdt 3.118\nNotification and review of decisions\npt 3A hdg ins A2008-36 amdt 1.571\nMeaning of reviewable decision—pt 3A\ns 14 sub A2008-36 amdt 1.571\nReviewable decision notices\ns 14A ins A2008-36 amdt 1.571\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nApplications for review\ns 14B ins A2008-36 amdt 1.571\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nInformation to be supplied\ns 15 am A2013-44 amdt 3.118\nDisposal of surrendered or seized prohibited weapons or prohibited articles\ns 16 am A2013-44 amdt 3.119\nEvidentiary provisions\ns 17 sub A2008-25 s 78\nam A2015-3 s 39; A2016-37 amdt 1.34\nDetermination of fees\ns 17A ins A2008-25 s 78\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nApproved forms\ns 18 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.3299\n(4)-(7) exp 12 September 2002 (s 18 (7))\nam A2008-25 s 79; A2013-44 amdt 3.120; A2025-29\namdt 4.137\n\nEndnotes\nAmendment history 4\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 43\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRegulation-making power\ns 19 ins A2001-44 amdt 1.3299\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nTransitional\npt 5 hdg ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\nDefinitions—pt 5\ns 50 ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\ndef commencement day ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\ndef dispose ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\ndef pre-commencement day ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\nPre-commencement Act—permitted weapons and articles generally\ns 51 ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\nPre-commencement Act—permitted weapons and articles—late application\nfor permit\ns 52 ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\nTransitional regulations\ns 53 ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\nExpiry—pt 5\ns 54 ins A2008-25 s 80\nexp 15 July 2010 (s 54)\nCOVID-19 emergency response\npt 6 hdg ins A2020-11 amdt 1.63\nexp 29 December 2022 (s 55 (6))\nDeclaration—COVID-19 emergency response\ns 55 ins A2020-11 amdt 1.63\nam A2020-14 amdt 1.115, amdt 1.116\nexp 29 December 2022 (s 55 (6))\nExpiry—pt 6\ns 56 ins A2020-11 amdt 1.63\nom A2020-14 amdt 1.117\n\nEndnotes\n4 Amendment history\npage 44 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nProhibited weapons\nsch 1 hdg (prev sch hdg) am SL1997-12 reg 15\nrenum R1 LA\nsch 1 am A2008-25 s 81\nsub A2008-25 s 82\nam A2018-1 s 30; A2025-29 amdt 4.137\nProhibited articles\nsch 2 ins A2008-25 s 82\nam A2018-1 ss 31-33; items renum R17 LA; A2025-29\namdt 4.137\nNote for sch 2 sch 2 also ins A2008-36 amdt 1.572\nrenum as sch 3 R7 LA\nReviewable decisions\nsch 3 (prev sch 2) ins A2008-36 amdt 1.572\nrenum as sch 3 R7 LA\nDictionary\ndict ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\nam A2008-36 amdt 1.573, amdt 1.574; A2011-22 amdt 1.357;\nA2013-44 amdt 3.121\ndef anti-ballistic ins A2018-1 s 34\ndef anti-fragmentation ins A2018-1 s 34\ndef body armour ins A2018-1 s 34\ndef connected ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef dispose ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef firearm ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef permit ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef possession ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef premises ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef prohibited article ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef prohibited weapon ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef registrar ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\ndef reviewable decision ins A2008-36 amdt 1.575\ndef suppressor ins A2018-1 s 34\ndef unregulated weapon ins A2008-25 amdt 1.16\n\nEndnotes\nEarlier republications 5\nR23\n26/11/25\nProhibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\npage 45\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an\nauthorised republication are identical.\nRepublication\nNo and date\nEffective Last\namendment\nmade by\nRepublication\nfor\nR0A\n30 July 2003\n22 May 1997–\n11 Sept 2001\nSL1997-12 amendments by\nSL1997-12\nR1\n18 Feb 2002\n12 Sept 2001–\n12 Sept 2002\nA2001-44 amendments by\nA2001-44\nR2\n13 Sept 2002\n13 Sept 2002–\n8 Apr 2004\nA2001-44 commenced expiry\nR3\n9 Apr 2004\n9 Apr 2004–\n1 June 2006\nA2004-15 amendments by\nA2004-15\nR4\n2 June 2006\n2 June 2006–\n15 July 2008\nA2006-23 amendments by\nA2006-23\nR5\n16 July 2008\n16 July 2008–\n14 Jan 2009\nA2008-25 amendments by\nA2008-25\nR6\n15 Jan 2009\n15 Jan 2009–\n14 July 2009\nA2008-36 amendments by\nA2008-25\nR7\n15 July 2009\n15 July 2009–\n21 Sept 2009\nA2008-36 amendments by\nA2008-25 and\nA2008-36\nR8\n22 Sept 2009\n22 Sept 2009–\n28 Sept 2009\nA2009-20 amendments by\nA2009-20\nR9\n29 Sept 2009\n29 Sept 2009–\n27 Apr 2010\nA2009-20 amendments by\nA2009-19\nR10\n28 Apr 2010\n28 Apr 2010–\n15 July 2010\nA2010-13 amendments by\nA2010-13\nR11\n16 July 2010\n16 July 2010–\n30 June 2011\nA2010-13 commenced expiry\n\nEndnotes\n5 Earlier republications\npage 46 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996\nEffective: 26/11/25\nR23\n26/11/25\nAuthorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au\nRepublication\nNo and date\nEffective Last\namendment\nmade by\nRepublication\nfor\nR12\n1 July 2011\n1 July 2011–\n24 Nov 2013\nA2011-22 amendments by\nA2011-22\nR13\n25 Nov 2013\n25 Nov 2013–\n2 Mar 2015\nA2013-44 amendments by\nA2013-44\nR14\n3 Mar 2015\n3 Mar 2015–\n13 Oct 2015\nA2015-3 amendments by\nA2015-3\nR15\n14 Oct 2015\n14 Oct 2015–\n28 June 2016\nA2015-33 amendments by\nA2015-33\nR16\n29 June 2016\n29 June 2016–\n28 Feb 2018\nA2016-37 amendments by\nA2016-37\nR17\n1 Mar 2018\n1 Mar 2018–\n27 Mar 2018\nA2018-1 amendments by\nA2018-1\nR18\n28 Mar 2018\n28 Mar 2018–\n7 Apr 2020\nA2018-1 amendments by\nA2018-1\nR19\n8 Apr 2020\n8 Apr 2020–\n13 May 2020\nA2020-11 amendments by\nA2020-11\nR20\n14 May 2020\n14 May 2020–\n27 May 2020\nA2020-14 amendments by\nA2020-14\nR21\n28 May 2020\n28 May 2020–\n29 Dec 2022\nA2020-19 amendments by\nA2020-19\nR22\n30 Dec 2022\n30 Dec 2022–\n25 Nov 2025\nA2020-19 expiry of provisions\n(pt 6)\n© Australian Capital Territory 2025","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"source":"grok-batch-everything"},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 1996 Act focused primarily on prohibiting listed dangerous items and creating basic offences. Major 2008 amendments substantially expanded its scope by introducing a complete framework for unregulated weapons (seizure, examination, review, forfeiture), registrar declarations that can dynamically classify or declassify items, ministerial guidelines, detailed evidentiary rules on possession, and integration with ACAT review mechanisms. This transformed the legislation from a static prohibition statute into a flexible, ongoing regulatory system capable of responding to new weapon types without constant legislative amendment."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive schedules (Schedule 1 with 4 parts and 30+ precisely worded descriptions of bladed, hand, missile and other weapons; Schedule 2 with 12 categories of articles)","Layered definitions of possession, including physical possession, premises-based possession, joint possession, and evidentiary defences that reverse the evidential burden (ss 3, 3A, 3B)","Multiple new procedural regimes added over time (Part 1B unregulated weapons seizure/review/forfeiture process; Part 1D registrar declarations; Part 1C ministerial guidelines)","Frequent cross-references to the Firearms Act 1996, Criminal Code, Legislation Act 2001, and other statutes, plus signpost definitions in the Dictionary","Conditional logic throughout offences (e.g. 7-day surrender windows in s 8, 2-day grace period after declarations in s 4M, 30-day review trigger in s 4H)"],"plain_english_summary":"**The Prohibited Weapons Act 1996** makes it illegal in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for ordinary people to own or use a range of especially dangerous weapons and items unless they have an official permit or another clear legal excuse.\n\nIt lists banned 'prohibited weapons' (such as flick knives, butterfly knives, knuckle-dusters, tasers, certain chemical sprays, and laser pointers stronger than 1mW) and 'prohibited articles' (such as body armour, silencers, and high-capacity gun magazines) in two detailed schedules. The law also covers 'unregulated weapons' – items clearly designed only to be used as weapons but not yet formally listed as prohibited.\n\nKey rules include:\n- Strict definitions of **possession** (having it on you, at your home, or under your control, with special evidence rules to protect people who genuinely did not know about an item).\n- Offences for unauthorised possession or use, with heavy fines and jail time.\n- Police powers to inspect, seize, and seek forfeiture of these items.\n- A permit system run by the registrar of firearms, with rules for conditions, cancellation, and review by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).\n- Ways for the registrar or Minister to issue temporary declarations or guidelines to clarify what is banned or allowed.\n\nThe Act aims to protect public safety by tightly controlling items that could cause serious injury, while providing limited exceptions for police, defence force members, and certain other authorised people. It works alongside the *Firearms Act 1996* and the *Crimes Act 1900*."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act’s scope has been materially expanded and restructured since its original enactment, as shown by the amendment history in the endnotes. Notable scope changes include: the insertion of Part 1B (unregulated weapons: ss 4C–4I) and Part 1D (registrar declarations: s 4L) by A2008-25 (see Amendment history/endnotes), the introduction of the registrar’s power to make short-term declarations and the Minister’s guideline power (ss 4L, 4K), and the addition of a specific mechanism for laser pointer declarations (ss 6A–6B). Schedules and definitions have also been amended over time (see endnotes and Amendment history), and the regulations/Executive retain express power to amend the Schedules (s 4A(3), s 4B(3), s 19). These changes broaden administrative classification, seizure and temporary-listing powers and add new procedural paths (for example, the unregulated weapons seizure and review process in ss 4D–4I), shifting some decisions from primary legislation to delegated, time-limited administrative instruments (s 4L(2)–(3))."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive definitions and cross-references to other Acts (e.g. Criminal Code, Firearms Act) requiring multi‑statute interpretation (see s 2B; dictionary).","Detailed schedules listing many categories of weapons and articles, with power to amend by regulation (s 4A(3), s 4B(3), Schedules 1–2).","Discretionary administrative powers concentrated in the registrar (permits s 9; declarations s 4L) subject to Ministerial guidelines (s 4K), which creates layered delegated decision‑making.","Two distinct enforcement paths: (a) criminal offences and penalties (ss 5–6, 8) that import Criminal Code principles (s 2B); and (b) administrative seizure, examination and forfeiture for unregulated weapons (ss 4D–4I), involving time limits and court applications (s 4F).","Interlocking procedural obligations on individuals (produce permits s 7, produce permit or details s 12, information supply s 15, surrender on cancellation s 13) with separate penalties, increasing compliance complexity.","Multiple review and dispute resolution forums (Magistrates Court for examination extensions and disposal—s 4F, s 16; ACAT for reviewable decisions—Part 3A and Schedule 3), requiring procedural navigation.","Evidentiary provisions and administrative instruments: certificates from registrar (s 17), disallowable instruments and notifiable instruments (ss 4K–4L, 17A, 18), creating secondary law complexity.","Amendment history demonstrating additions and reworkings (notably A2008-25 additions of Part 1B and Part 1D) which indicate evolving scope (endnotes)."],"plain_english_summary":"## What this law does, in plain terms\n\n- Mechanically, the Act defines a list of weapons and other articles that are illegal to possess or use in the Australian Capital Territory unless a person is authorised (by a permit or another provision of the Act). The listed items appear in Schedule 1 (prohibited weapons) and Schedule 2 (prohibited articles), and the Executive may add or remove items by regulation (see s 4A(1)(b), s 4B(1)(b), s 19).  \n\n- The Act creates a permit system for authorised possession and use (Part 3: s 9). Permits can include conditions, may be refused on mandatory or discretionary grounds (regulations may specify grounds—s 9(2)), and may be cancelled by the registrar (s 9(5)). Holders must comply with permit conditions and produce permits to police on demand (ss 11–13).  \n\n- Police powers and enforcement: police may demand production/inspection of a prohibited weapon or permit at any time (s 7), require information about where a weapon was acquired (s 15), seize and process “unregulated weapons” under a distinct process (Part 1B: ss 4C–4I), and apply to the Magistrates Court for disposal or forfeiture in some cases (s 16). Offences for unauthorised possession/use carry maximum penalties set in ss 5–6 and other sections. The Criminal Code applies to core offences (s 2B).  \n\n- Administrative decision-making and oversight: the registrar has powers to declare items to be prohibited or not prohibited for up to 3 months (s 4L), subject to Ministerial guidelines (s 4K). Declarations and some guidelines are disallowable instruments and must be publicly notified (ss 4K, 4L(3)–(4)). Certain decisions (for example, refusal to issue or cancellation of a permit—s 9(1), s 9(5)) are reviewable by ACAT under Part 3A (ss 14–14B and Schedule 3).  \n\n- Special provisions: the registrar may declare that possession or use of laser pointers is authorised in specified ways (s 6A) and the Minister may make guidelines for such declarations (s 6B). Schedules identify detailed categories (e.g. bladed weapons, missile weapons, body armour, high-capacity magazines).  \n\n## Who this affects and who decides\n\n- Individuals who possess, carry, buy, sell or otherwise handle items described in Schedules 1 and 2 (see s 4A, s 4B, Schedules 1–2).  \n- The registrar (registrar of firearms) controls permits, temporary declarations and approved forms (ss 9, 4L, 18, 17).  \n- The Minister may issue guidelines that the registrar must follow (s 4K) and may set fee determinations (s 17A).  \n- Police exercise inspection, seizure and enforcement powers (ss 4D–4F, 7, 15, 16). Magistrates’ Courts and ACAT handle aspects of dispute resolution and review (ss 4F(2)–(4), 16, Part 3A).  \n\n## Why it matters (stated purposes and the mechanisms that follow from them)\n\n- Stated purpose: the Act is “to prohibit the possession of certain dangerous weapons and other articles, and for related purposes” (short title and introductory note). That stated purpose explains the main mechanics: lists of proscribed items, criminal offences for unauthorised possession/use (ss 5–6), and a permit regime (s 9).  \n\n- Testing the stated purpose against implementation mechanics:  \n  - Who pays and bears the direct compliance cost: individuals who possess items must either hold permits, surrender/dispose of items within timelines (s 8), or face penalties (ss 5–6, 8). The Territory pays compensation when seized items cannot be returned in certain circumstances (s 4H(2)).  \n  - Who decides and where discretion sits: the registrar has broad discretion to issue and cancel permits (s 9(5)) and to make short-term declarations about items (s 4L); the Minister may set binding guidelines for the registrar (s 4K). These delegated powers structure implementation and create administrative discretion in categorising and authorising items.  \n  - Compliance burden and enforcement friction: permit holders must comply with permit conditions, produce permits to police on demand (ss 11–13), and provide acquisition information on demand (s 15). Police may seize unregulated weapons and hold them for examination (ss 4D–4F), subject to review by the registrar (s 4H). These mechanics create ongoing administrative interactions between members of the public, police and the registrar.  \n  - Opportunity costs and market effects: because the Schedules and regulations can add or remove items (s 4A(3), s 4B(3), s 19), businesses that design, manufacture, import or retail affected items face regulatory risk and must adapt if items become prohibited; the Act’s definition-driven approach makes legal status materially relevant to supply chains.  \n  - Implementation and legal risk: the Act cross-references other laws (for example, the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code—s 2B and dictionary) so enforcement and prosecution may involve multiple statutory regimes and evidentiary rules (see ss 2B, 17).  \n\n## Trade-offs and practical points to note (mechanisms, not judgments)\n\n- The Act centralises categorisation and short-term listing power in an administrative office (registrar) and permits ministerial guidelines to bind that office (ss 4L, 4K). That structure allows rapid, temporary declarations (3 months—s 4L(2)) but also places discretion in an executive office rather than Parliament. Declarations are disallowable and require public notice (ss 4L(3)–(4)), which creates parliamentary oversight and a public record of changes.  \n\n- Police seizure powers for unregulated weapons (Part 1B: ss 4C–4I) allow immediate action where an object is believed to be a weapon and to pose a safety risk, but they also create a review route (registrar review—s 4H) and time limits on examination (s 4F). If the registrar orders return but the thing cannot be returned, the Territory must compensate (s 4H(2)).  \n\n- The Act sets criminal penalties (ss 5–6, 8) and lower-penalty administrative obligations (e.g. produce permit—s 7). The Criminal Code applies to the principal offences (s 2B), which imports general criminal responsibility principles into prosecutions under this Act.  \n\n## Quick reference to key sections cited above\n- Definitions and lists: s 4A, s 4B, Schedules 1–2.  \n- Permit powers and conditions: s 9 (Part 3), ss 11–13.  \n- Police inspection, seizure and unregulated weapons: ss 4C–4I, s 7, s 15.  \n- Registrar declarations and Minister guidelines: ss 4K–4L, s 6A–6B (laser pointer declarations).  \n- Offences and penalties: ss 5–6, s 8.  \n- Review and administrative appeals: Part 3A (ss 14–14B) and Schedule 3.  \n- Cross-references to other law: s 2B and the dictionary entries (e.g. firearm—Firearms Act 1996 s 6).\n"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/prohibited-weapons-act-1996","history":"/api/acts/prohibited-weapons-act-1996/history","analysis":"/api/acts/prohibited-weapons-act-1996/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/prohibited-weapons-act-1996/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/prohibited-weapons-act-1996/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/prohibited-weapons-act-1996/documents"}}