Outback Wrangler Matt Wright contests ‘fit and proper person’ finding in NT Police firearms licence battle

Territory reality television star Matt Wright is fighting to regain his firearms licence after NT Police ruled he was not a ‘fit and proper person’.

The NTCAT documents state that Mr Wright was ordered to hand over his firearms, ammunition, and Shooter‘s Licence. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A Territory celebrity who built his reality television career wrestling crocs, wrangling snakes and herding wild buffalo and boars has been denied access to any firearms after police ruled he was not a “fit and proper person”.

Outback Wrangler Matthew Wright has contested a decision by the NT Police Commissioner through the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal in a bid to regain his gun licence.

Tribunal documents obtained by this publication said the NT Police Commissioner refused to renew Mr Wright’s shooter’s licence in July, 17 months after the celebrity was initially ordered to surrender his guns.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright with Chris 'Willow' Wilson in September 2015. Picture: Facebook

The NTCAT documents state Mr Wright was ordered to hand over his firearms, ammunition, and Shooter’s Licence three months after he was charged over the fatal chopper crash that killed fellow Outback Wrangler star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

Mr Wright is expected to face an epic three-month long trial next year, after pleading not guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the crash.

He has argued the rejection of his firearms licence denied him his right to the presumption of innocence, as he was contesting the charges against him.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright has claimed NT police put undue weight on his upcoming Supreme Court battle and did not afford him the right to the presumption of innocence. Picture: Jason Walls

According to Mr Wright’s NTCAT application, NT Police believed he was no longer permanently living in the Territory around November 2022, which is a condition of a gun licence under the Firearms Act.

It alleged NT Police told Mr Wright in February 2023 since he had left the Territory, his licence had expired and therefore he was directed to surrender his guns, ammunition and licence within seven days.

Mr Wright said he refuted the allegations, but still complied with the directions of police.

The Territory celebrity has claimed in a meeting with a licensing representative, he was told the expiry letter was withdrawn, however “he was unable to assist with the reinstatement of his licence or return of his surrendered firearms”.

Mr Wright’s new application for a firearms licence was rejected in July 2024.

Matt Wright’s Firearms Act dispute is listed to appear in the NTCAT on Friday for a directions hearing, where he will attempt to reinstate his licence. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

He has claimed the police put undue weight on his upcoming Supreme Court battle and did not afford him the right to the presumption of innocence.

According to tribunal documents, he also rejected the 18 traffic infringement notices he has tallied since 2009 disqualified him from holding a firearms licence.

Mr Wright maintained the infringements were for vehicles registered in his company’s name, and he was not the driver for “the majority” of traffic violations — none of which resulted in licence cancellations or suspensions.

He also said the police had incorrectly claimed he was using his recreational licence for work purposes.

Mr Wright’s Firearms Act dispute is listed to appear in the NTCAT on Friday for a directions hearing, where he will attempt to reinstate his licence.