By Olivia Condous
Local law enforcement are urging gun owners to take heed of new firearm storage legislation due to come into effect soon, in order to prepare themselves for the change.
From August 30, Category A and B longarm guns must be stored in a purpose-built steel gun safe with thickness of at least 1.6mm.
This means that these types of guns will no longer be legally stored in wooden containers, or steel receptacles with less than 1.6mm thickness.
All safes must also be secured with a ‘sturdy’ lock and if the safe weighs less than 150kg, it must be bolted to the floor or wall.
This change will apply to firearms such as slug guns, 0.22 rifles, shotguns, centre-fire rifles and lever-action shotguns.
The change in law will mean that all category A, B, C and D firearms will have the same storage requirements.
Purpose-built gun safes can be purchased from many firearm retailers or hardware stores such as Bunnings Warehouse.
Police are encouraging firearm owners to check their current storage against the new requirements and make any necessary alterations prior to the legislation change.
Brimbank and Melton Division Firearm Officer Leading Senior Constable Scott Whitzell said gun owners should take note that wooden receptacles and old clothing lockers would not comply with the law in the future.
“They will be illegal, and unfortunately these are currently used by our older licence holders,” L/S/Cst Whitzell said.
“Storage inspections will increase and if noncompliance is identified, your firearms licence may be suspended, your firearms seized or destroyed and you may have to front a Magistrates court.”
L/S/Cst Whitzell said the easy solution was for residents to be proactive sooner rather than later.
“Make these changes now and don’t wait until the last minute, because gun safe stock may be low.”
Firearm Officer Senior Constable Dan DeCarli said police were striving to educate licence holders ahead of the legislation change.
“This new legislation will enhance the security of firearms and reduce the instances of them being stolen and falling into the wrong hands, making our community safer,” S/Cst DeCarli said.
Residents who have questions can contact the divisional firearms officer at their local police station.
Details: www.police.vic.gov.au/firearm-storage
